Question 1

what is an upper endoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Easy Upper Endoscopy: Once you're sedated, a tv camera on a thin, flexible tube is inserted through your mouth, & is passed gently into your esophagus, stomach, & upper part of the small intestine.  Depending on the reason for the exam, biopsies may be taken for h.Pylori bacteria, celiac sprue, eosinophilic esophagitis, barrett's esophagus, polyps can be removed, bleeding can be controlled, & other samples collected.

Question 2

why is an upper endoscopy done?

Accepted Answer

Many reasons: For a variety of reasons but mostly to evaluate upper GI symptoms such as reflux, abdominal pain, problems swallowing, signs of bleeding (black or bloody stools) nausea with vomiting, weight loss and sometimes diarrhea.  We do so trying to diagnosis and treat such problems as gerd, barrett's, ulcers, cancers or celiac.

Question 3

how long does an upper endoscopy take?

Accepted Answer

EGD is pretty quick: Upper endoscopy uses an optical device on a flexible, steerable tube to examine esophagus, stomach, & upper small bowel. Often, biopsies are taken to rule out barrett's esophagus, eosinophilic esophagitis, h.Pylori bacteria, celiac sprue. A diagnostic study as such takes less than 5 minutes, during which you are sedated. Therapeutics (dilation, cautery, polypectomy, etc.) adds a few minutes more.

Question 4

can i have an upper endoscopy with a cold?

Accepted Answer

Depends on how bad: Generally can do. Depends on how congested you are, and how well you are breathing-before you get medicated. Elective procedure can always be rescheduled. Emergency procedure is just that..

Question 5

what happens if you get an upper endoscopy done?

Accepted Answer

Here is a great: article by Mayo Clinic to help prepare you:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/endoscopy/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20020363

Question 6

what can be expected during the upper endoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Easy Upper Endoscopy: Once you're sedated, a tv camera on a thin, flexible tube is inserted through your mouth, & is passed gently into your esophagus, stomach, & upper part of the small intestine.  Depending on the reason for the exam, biopsies may be taken for h.Pylori bacteria, celiac sprue, eosinophilic esophagitis, barrett's esophagus, polyps can be removed, bleeding can be controlled, & other samples collected.

Question 7

upper endoscopy, i'm scared to death. will they drug me?

Accepted Answer

Of course: For endoscopy, sedation is routinely offered and in your case clearly desirable.  Keep in mind the test lasts only 3-5 minutes.  Talk with your doctor about what sedation options you can have at the center where your test will be performed.

Question 8

how soon can i resume exercise after an upper endoscopy?

Accepted Answer

How long?: It should be ok after a few days  to a week if you feel up to it but what did the doctor who did the procedure  say?

Question 9

what are the possible complications of an upper endoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Uncommon, a bunch: Need to discuss with doc before test.  Get info brochure too.
There are possible sedation/medication risks, sore throat, bleeding (if biopsy, polyp removal), perforation (rare, about 1:10, 000, unless advanced work, e.g. Forcible dilatation of tight stricture), rarely infection. Talk to md re: meds, supplements, herbals that can interfere with blood clotting, possible need to stop before the test.

Question 10

what exactly does "nonspecific" mean in an upper endoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Define "nonspecific": "Nonspecific" often applies to a pathologic finding that is not definitive or distinguishing alone to make a diagnosis. For example, gastritis may be considered nonspecific, unless there are features present that allow one to characterize the mucosal changes seen as peptic, atrophic, caustic, etc.

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Doctor answers about:

Upper endoscopy

A member asked:

What is an upper endoscopy?

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Why is an upper endoscopy done?

A member asked:

How long does an upper endoscopy take?

A member asked:

Can i have an upper endoscopy with a cold?

A member asked:

What happens if you get an upper endoscopy done?

A member asked:

What can be expected during the upper endoscopy?

A member asked:

Upper endoscopy, i'm scared to death. will they drug me?

A member asked:

How soon can i resume exercise after an upper endoscopy?

A member asked:

What are the possible complications of an upper endoscopy?

A member asked:

What exactly does "nonspecific" mean in an upper endoscopy?

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