Procedure guide · Gastroenterology
An upper GI endoscopy is a test that looks at the lining of the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine using a thin flexible camera. MedlinePlus calls it EGD and notes it is also known as gastroscopy. It is a short procedure. When planning a trip, think about when biopsy results will be ready and who will act on them.
What is an upper GI endoscopy?
MedlinePlus explains that a gastroenterologist passes an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera, through the mouth into the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen are monitored. You are usually given medicine through a vein to relax. Occasionally a local anaesthetic spray is used in the mouth to reduce gagging. Small tissue samples, called biopsies, can be taken. Some treatments, such as stretching a narrowed area, can be done at the same time.
Who may be suitable for this test?
MedlinePlus lists symptoms that may lead a doctor to suggest an EGD. They include black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss and nausea or vomiting that does not settle. It is also used to check for enlarged veins called varices in people with cirrhosis and to follow up known conditions. A gastroenterologist decides whether the test is needed.
Some symptoms cannot wait
Vomiting blood or passing black stools needs urgent local medical care. Do not wait to travel for an endoscopy.
What should you send before a specialist advises?
- A summary of your symptoms and how long you have had them
- Reports of any earlier endoscopy, with biopsy results
- Recent blood tests such as a full blood count and liver function tests
- Scan reports such as abdominal ultrasound or CT if done
- A full list of medicines, including blood thinners and acid-reducing tablets
- Any history of liver disease, heart disease or breathing problems
How should you plan the trip?
MedlinePlus advises fasting before the test, with timing set by the hospital. It also advises following instructions about stopping aspirin and other blood thinners. Do not change any medicine without your own doctor’s advice.
- Consultation and any blood tests in India
- Fasting before the procedure
- Endoscopy with sedation and a short recovery period
- Biopsy results, which take time in the laboratory
- Follow-up consultation to discuss results and next steps
- Home: share the report and results with your own doctor
Ask the hospital how long biopsy results usually take, so that you can plan to receive them before you leave or arrange to review them remotely. After sedation you should not travel alone on the same day. An attendant or hotel transfer helps.
What should you ask the hospital?
- Will you take biopsies and how will I receive the results?
- Will I be sedated and do I need someone with me afterwards?
- Should I stop any of my medicines before the test?
- If you find something that needs treatment, can it be done during the same visit?
- Will you give me photographs and a written report?
- Can I have a teleconsultation to discuss results after I return home?
IndiaMedica can help you share records and arrange follow-up conversations. The treating gastroenterologist decides on testing and treatment.
Questions people ask
Is an upper GI endoscopy painful?
MedlinePlus says you are given medicine through a vein to help you relax and should feel no pain. Many people do not remember the procedure. Afterwards you may feel bloated from the air used during the test, which soon fades. You cannot eat or drink until your gag reflex returns.
What are the risks of an upper GI endoscopy?
MedlinePlus describes a small chance of a hole in the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum and a small risk of bleeding at a biopsy site. Reactions to sedation can also occur. Your doctor will explain your own risks before the test.
Can treatment be done during the same endoscopy?
Sometimes. MedlinePlus explains that biopsies can be taken and some treatments, such as stretching a narrowed area, can be done during the test. Ask the hospital in advance what it may do if it finds a problem, so that you can consent beforehand.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.