Upper Endoscopy Specialist

What is an upper endoscopy?

In an upper endoscopy, your specialist threads a very thin lighted tube, the endoscope, down your throat, and into your digestive tract. This allows them to clearly see the innermost lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine) through a tiny attached camera. 

An upper endoscopy can show problems such as inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, and infections. Typically, an upper endoscopy is an outpatient procedure. 

When do I need an upper endoscopy?

The Arkansas Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center team may recommend an upper endoscopy if you have symptoms of digestive distress, such as: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding

With an upper endoscopy, your specialist can often diagnose conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), precancerous growths, Barrett’s esophagus, ulcers, hiatal hernia, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease affecting the upper GI tract. If necessary, your doctor can obtain tissue samples for biopsy during an upper endoscopy. 

Sometimes, upper endoscopy is also a treatment procedure. For example, your doctor can widen an esophageal stricture or remove a polyp if they discover these kinds of problems during the upper endoscopy.

In some cases, your doctor may combine an upper endoscopy with an ultrasound to gather highly detailed images of areas they need to see more closely. 

How do I prepare for an upper endoscopy?

The Arkansas Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center team lets you know how to get ready ahead of time. You typically receive sedation for an upper endoscopy, so you must generally fast for at least eight hours to have an empty stomach before the procedure. 

The sedation helps you relax, and you also generally get a throat-numbing spray to prevent discomfort as your doctor advances the endoscope down your throat. 

Arrange for someone to drive you home following your procedure since you could have slowed reflexes from the sedative until the end of the day. 

How long does it take to get upper endoscopy results?

It depends on why you’re having the procedure. If your doctor performs an upper endoscopy to look for something specific or to correct a problem, you may learn the results right away. If you’re waiting for biopsy results, it can take at least a few days. 

The Arkansas Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center team has 50 plus years of experience with GI procedures, so you can rely upon them for the safest and smoothest endoscopic procedures. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking tool.