Upper Endoscopy

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 08/2019

An upper endoscopy allows a doctor to look at the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This area is made up of the:

  • Esophagus, which is the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach

  • Stomach

  • Duodenum, which is the top of the small intestine

An upper endoscopy is also called an upper GI endoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

How does an upper endoscopy work?

The doctor uses a tool called an endoscope to do an upper endoscopy. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and a tiny camera on the end. The doctor inserts it into the mouth, down the throat, and into the esophagus. The doctor views the images on a screen to look for tumors or other health problems.

During an upper endoscopy, the doctor can pass tools through a channel in the endoscope to remove tissue samples. Then he or she looks at the samples under a microscope.

Some endoscopes also use colored light to find precancerous conditions in the esophagus lining. This is called narrow band imaging.

Who does my upper endoscopy?

Most often, a gastroenterologist will do an upper endoscopy in a doctor's office, GI clinic, or hospital. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the GI tract. Many other specialists can perform an upper endoscopy as well.

Getting ready for an upper endoscopy

When you schedule the procedure, you will get detailed instructions on how to prepare. These may include:

  • Not eating or drinking anything, including water, for up to 8 hours before the procedure. Your stomach and duodenum must be completely empty.

  • Not taking aspirin or other over-the-counter pain medications for 7 days before the procedure. These medicines can increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure.

Ask the doctor or nurse about these or any other restrictions when you schedule the endoscopy.

Check with your insurance provider in advance to find out if they pay for the endoscopy. Also, ask how much of the cost you will need to pay.

Once you arrive for your upper endoscopy, you will be asked to sign a consent form. It states that you understand the benefits and risks of the test and agree to have it.

During the procedure

Before the procedure begins, you will need to undress and put on a hospital gown. If you wear dentures, you may be asked to remove them.

You may be given anesthesia and a sedative through an intravenous (IV) needle in your arm. Anesthesia is medicine that blocks the awareness of pain. A sedative is medicine that relaxes you. These medications help lessen discomfort during the procedure. You may feel a slight sting when the IV needle is inserted.

A doctor or nurse may spray your throat with a local anesthetic to numb it. Or you may receive a liquid anesthetic to gargle. This helps prevent gagging. The doctor may also insert a mouthpiece to hold your mouth open during the procedure.

You will lie on your left side or your back on an exam table. As the doctor slowly inserts the endoscope, you will feel pressure through your esophagus. The endoscope inflates your stomach by blowing air into it. This gives the doctor a better view of the stomach lining.

You will be able to breathe on your own throughout the exam. Taking slow, deep breaths through your nose will help you relax. Many people fall asleep.

An upper endoscopy usually takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. When the procedure is over, the doctor will gently remove the endoscope. Then you will go to a recovery room.

After the procedure

You will stay for up to 2 hours while the effects of the anesthesia and sedative wear off. You will also need a ride home. Anesthesia and sedatives can temporarily affect your reaction time and judgment.

The health care team will tell you how soon you can eat and drink. Typically, you can return to your usual activities the next day.

You may have a sore throat. If so, you can gargle with salt water to relieve the discomfort. You may also have bloating or cramping because of the air blown into your stomach. And you may feel some discomfort from lying still for a long time.

Serious problems after an upper endoscopy are uncommon. But call your health care team right away if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Severe throat, chest, or abdominal pain

  • Fever

  • Shortness of breath

  • Trouble swallowing

Questions to ask your health care team

Before having an upper endoscopy, consider asking the following questions:

  • Who will do my upper endoscopy? Will anyone else be in the room?

  • What will happen during the upper endoscopy?

  • How long will the procedure take?

  • Will it be painful?

  • Will I be given any type of anesthesia or sedation?

  • What are the risks and benefits of having an upper endoscopy?

  • How accurately does an upper endoscopy find cancer?

  • When and how will I learn the results?

  • Who will explain the results to me?

  • What other tests will I need if the upper endoscopy finds evidence of cancer?

Related Resources

Types of Endoscopy

Colonoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy

More Information

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Understanding Upper Endoscopy

Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons: Upper Endoscopy Patient Information