Endoscopic surgery uses scopes going through small incisions or natural body openings in order to diagnose and treat disease. Another popular term is minimally invasive surgery (MIS), which emphasizes that diagnosis and treatments can be done with reduced body cavity invasion.

Upper GI endoscopy is a procedure that uses a lighted, flexible endoscope to see inside the upper GI tract. The upper GI tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum—the first part of the small intestine.

Problems Upper GI Endoscopy Detect

Upper GI Endoscopy Can Detect

  • Ulcers
  • Abnormal Growths
  • Precancerous Conditions
  • Bowel Obstruction
  • Inflammation
  • Hiatal Hernia

When is Upper GI Endoscopy Used

Upper GI endoscopy can be used to determine the cause of:

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Swallowing Difficulties
  • Gastric Reflux
  • Unexplained Weight Loss
  • Anemia
  • Bleeding in the Upper GI Tract

Upper GI endoscopy can be used to remove stuck objects, including food, and to treat conditions such as bleeding ulcers. It can also be used to biopsy tissue in the upper GI tract. During a biopsy, a small piece of tissue is removed for later examination with a microscope