Upper digestive endoscopy

What is upper digestive endoscopy?

Upper digestive endoscopy is a procedure of investigation that allow exploration of the Interior of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum using the endoscope, a tool provided with an optical device, thin and flexible. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and slightly move forward in the esophagus, stomach, and then of the duodenum

With the help of the endoscopy the doctor may see ulcerations, inflammation, tumors, infections or bleeding of the upper digestive tract.

When it is indicated an upper digestive endoscopy?

Gastro-esophageal Reflux/esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus detection

To diagnose a hiatal hernias, esophageal and gastric ulcer, inflammation, tumors

Determining the cause of bleeding in upper digestive tract

Identify the cause of pain in the upper abdomen, child minders or cause of unexplained weight loss

Pursuit of healing gastric ulcers

The diagnosis of certainty of infection with Helicobacter pylori

Preparation for upper digestive endoscopy

For a good visualization of the stomach, the patient should not eat or drink with 6 to 8 hours before the procedure; is given a local anesthetic (spray) to relieve the patient's discomfort at the introduction of the endoscope.

Exploration takes about 5 minutes and the result is communicated to the patient immediately after the procedure.

Important!

It is possible to execute all endoscopic procedures (gastroscopy and colonoscopy) under anesthesia with propofol in the presence of a specialist doctor of Anesthesiology-intensive care.