Upper Endoscopy

An upper endoscopy can help explain the cause of your ongoing abdominal pain or indigestion. Tahmina Haq, MD, is a fellowship-trained endoscopic gastroenterologist who performs upper endoscopy procedures at Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute in Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, and Huntington Beach, California. People travel from all over for endoscopic care at Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute. Call the nearest office today or schedule a consultation online.

What is an upper endoscopy?

An upper endoscopy, also called esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a diagnostic procedure that allows your gastroenterologist to examine the upper part of your digestive tract. This includes your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). 

For the procedure, they insert an endoscope into your mouth and slowly advance it through. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera that transmits high-definition images to a computer monitor. Your gastroenterologist uses these images to look for tissue abnormalities.

Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute performs all types of endoscopic procedures, including an upper endoscopy.

Why would I need an upper endoscopy?

Your gastroenterologist or primary care provider may recommend an upper endoscopy to find the cause of concerning symptoms. Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute performs upper endoscopies to evaluate ongoing abdominal pain, nausea, and heartburn.

The procedure may help the gastroenterologist diagnose digestive problems like:

• Esophagitis
• Esophageal strictures
• Barrett’s esophagus
• Stomach ulcers
• Celiac disease
• Esophageal cancer
• Stomach cancer

The gastroenterologist may also perform a procedure during your upper endoscopy, such as esophageal dilation to open the esophagus or an ablation to stop bleeding.

How do I prepare for an upper endoscopy?

Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute gives you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your upper endoscopy. You must not have any food in your digestive tract during the procedure, so you need to stop eating at least six hours before the test.

You may also need to modify your usual medication schedule. 

Is an upper endoscopy painful?

The gastroenterologist gives you medication that helps you relax and reduces discomfort during the upper endoscopy. You shouldn’t feel anything but pressure during the procedure.

An upper endoscopy takes 15-30 minutes. Your gastroenterologist sends you to the recovery area for monitoring before sending you home. You need to have someone drive you home after your upper endoscopy, and you should plan to take it easy the rest of the day. You can resume your normal diet.

Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute schedules a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings from your upper endoscopy and provide treatment recommendations.

Call Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute today or request an appointment online to learn more about the upper endoscopy.