by Mark Miranda
 

Upper endoscopy, also known as an upper GI endoscopy, esophagogasdtroduodenoscopy (EGD), or panendoscopy, is a procedure that enables the physician to examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, i.e., the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a thin flexible tube with its own lens and light source.
“Upper endoscopy is usually performed to evaluate symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing,” said Sharon Rosetti, RN Administrator of Kessler Memorial Hospital. Upper endoscopy is more accurate than x-ray films for detecting inflammation, ulcers, or tumors of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It can also detect early cancer and can distinguish between benign and malignant conditions when biopsies are obtained.
It is also used to treat conditions present in the upper gastrointestinal tract. A variety of instruments can be passed through the endoscope that allow many abnormalities to be treated directly with little or no discomfort, for example, stretching narrowed areas, removing polyps or swallowed objects, or treating upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Safe and effective endoscopic control of bleeding has reduced the need for transfusions and surgery in many patients.
“For the best examination, the stomach must be completely empty,” said Rosetti “You should have nothing to eat or drink, including water, for approximately 6 hours before the procedure.”
You may have your throat sprayed with a local anesthetic before the test begins and may be given medication through your vein to help you relax during the procedure. While you are in a comfortable position on your side, the endoscope is passed through the mouth then in turn through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing during the test. “Most patients consider the procedure to be only slightly uncomfortable while many patients fall asleep during the procedure,” says Rosetti.
In most cases, your gastroenterologist can inform you of your test results on the day of the procedure; however, the results of biopsies taken will take several days.
Endoscopy is generally safe. Bleeding may occur from a biopsy site or where a polyp was removed. It is usually minimal and rarely requires surgery. Other potential risks include a reaction to the sedatives used and complications from heart and lung disease. Major complications, i.e., perforation are very uncommon.
Kessler Hospital is successfully performing this surgery on a regular basis. To find a physician who performs this surgery at Kessler, please call the Physician referral line at 561-6700 ext. 5385.