Upper Endoscopy

Upper endoscopy uses a thin flexible camera to examine the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small bowel.

It is also called gastroscopy or OGD. The camera sends images to a screen, allowing the clinician to inspect the lining directly. Small instruments can pass through the scope to take biopsies or perform certain treatments. A biopsy is a small tissue sample; taking one does not by itself mean that cancer is suspected or found.

The team checks your health history, allergies and medicines, then explains fasting instructions. A local throat spray, sedation or both may be offered depending on the plan. You lie on your side and use a mouth guard. The scope passes through the mouth and throat into the upper digestive tract. Air or gas may be used to improve the view, which can cause a temporary bloated feeling.

Upper endoscopy is commonly used to look directly at the upper digestive tract, but no test answers every question on its own. Image quality can be affected by preparation, and some findings require a biopsy or another test to clarify them. Sore throat, bloating, nausea or drowsiness may occur afterwards. Seek urgent medical advice for severe or worsening chest or abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, breathing difficulty, fever or fainting after the test.

The clinician may describe what was seen before you leave, but biopsy results need laboratory examination. An abnormal appearance can reflect inflammation, infection, a benign change or another condition, so it needs interpretation in context. Your care team may arrange a follow-up discussion, imaging, repeat endoscopy, treatment for an identified cause or referral to a specialist. Keep the contact details given at discharge and attend the recommended review.

Tell the team about diabetes medicines, anticoagulants, allergies, pregnancy and any previous reaction to sedation. Do not alter prescribed medicines unless the team gives you specific instructions. If you receive sedation, arrange an adult to take you home and stay with you as advised. Avoid driving, operating machinery, signing important documents or drinking alcohol until the sedation has worn off.

A clinician may recommend this test for swallowing difficulties, persistent upper digestive symptoms, unexplained bleeding, anaemia, vomiting or a finding on another test. It may also be used to assess known conditions such as Barrett's oesophagus or to obtain samples when Helicobacter pylori infection is being considered. The reason for testing should be explained in relation to your symptoms and medical history.

At check-in, staff confirm your identity, consent and preparation. Monitoring equipment is placed, and the sedation plan is reviewed. During the examination, you can usually breathe normally. The scope is withdrawn after the planned inspection and any samples or procedures are completed. You then rest in a monitored area while the team checks that you are recovering as expected.

If throat spray was used, wait until swallowing feels normal before eating or drinking. A mild sore throat or bloating can settle after the procedure. Sedation can leave you sleepy or less coordinated for the rest of the day, so follow the discharge plan and have support available. Contact the unit if symptoms worry you or do not follow the advice you were given.

Rare but important complications can include bleeding, a tear in the digestive tract, aspiration and a reaction to sedation. Risk can be higher when treatment is performed through the scope or when health conditions affect sedation. Before consenting, ask whether biopsies or treatment are planned, how these change the risks, and what symptoms should prompt immediate help after you go home.

The alternative depends on what the clinician needs to find out. Imaging, laboratory tests, swallowing tests or monitoring may sometimes be appropriate, but they do not give the same direct view or ability to take a biopsy. The team can explain why endoscopy is preferred, whether another test could answer the question and what could happen if testing is delayed.

Choose a service that can explain preparation clearly, provide an appropriate sedation assessment and give a reliable route for results and follow-up. Ask whether biopsies can be taken during the same visit, who will contact you with laboratory findings and how to reach the unit if you develop concerning symptoms after discharge.