Having an Upper GI Endoscopy

Common Names: Endoscopy, Esophagoscopy, Enteroscopy, Gastroscopy

Introduction

Upper Gl endoscopy is a test which allows the doctor to look directly at the lining of the oesophagus (the gullet), the stomach and around the first bend of the small intestine – the duodenum. In order to do the test, an endoscope is along flexible tube (thinner than your little finger) with a bright light at the end. Looking down the tube, the doctor gets a clear view of the lining of the stomach and can check whether or not any disease is present.

Sometimes the doctor takes a biopsy – a sample of tissue for analysis in the laboratory. The tissue is removed painlessly through the endoscope, using tiny forceps.

(photograph from NetworldDirectory)