What does upper endoscopy treat?

A flexible camera passes through the mouth to view the lining of the upper digestive tract. The clinician may collect a biopsy, remove a small polyp, stop bleeding, widen a narrowed passage, or remove a lodged object. The examination can help investigate swallowing difficulty, persistent indigestion, bleeding, anaemia, or an abnormal scan. It can also assess changes such as Barrett's Oesophagus and may help identify Helicobacter Pylori Infection through tissue testing.

Follow the fasting instructions supplied by the endoscopy team, and tell them about medicines, allergies, pregnancy, and conditions that affect bleeding or breathing. Sedation can make you drowsy, so arrange an adult to accompany you home and follow the team's advice about driving and work. A mild sore throat or bloating can occur briefly. Read more about [Upper Endoscopy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/upper-endoscopy/).

Contact the endoscopy service promptly for worsening chest or abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fever, black stools, or fresh blood after the procedure. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, heavy bleeding, or sudden weakness.

What problem is the examination intended to investigate? Could a biopsy or treatment happen during the same appointment? Which medicines should I pause or continue, and when should I expect the findings?