Gastroenterology
Upper GI Endoscopy
Be proactive with your digestive health issues when you have an upper GI endoscopy at OSF HealthCare. Our gastroenterology professionals have the skill, training and experience to give you insight into your health.
What Is an Upper GI Endoscopy?
An upper GI endoscopy procedure is an exam of your upper digestive tract. This includes the:
- Beginning of the small intestine (duodenum)
- Esophagus
- Stomach
Your doctor uses a long, thin tube with a camera on the end called an endoscope to see inside your body. It gives your doctor a clearer image than an X-ray. They may do an X-ray or ultrasound at the same time as your upper endoscopy to see as much as possible. Your doctor will check for signs of disease, such as:
- Bleeding
- Narrowed areas (stenosis)
- Polyps (lumps)
- Tumors
- Ulcers
Treatments
During the exam, your doctor may be able to treat problems in your upper digestive tract by:
- Placing a stent, or small tube, to widen a narrow area
- Removing foreign objects
- Removing polyps
- Stopping bleeding
- Stretching narrow areas
Why Do I Need an Upper GI Endoscopy?
You may need this exam to help your doctor diagnose or treat digestive health problems such as:
- Cancer
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- GERD/acid reflux
- Inflammation
- Noncancerous tumors
- Swallowing disorders
- Ulcers
What to Expect
You’ll receive specific instructions before your procedure. Usually you’ll need to:
- Limit fluids
- Stop eating so your stomach is empty
- Stop taking certain medications
The day of your procedure, you’ll get a sedative that helps you stay calm and relaxed during the exam. The procedure usually takes less than 20 minutes. Afterward, you’ll need someone to drive you home. Even if you use public transportation, you must have someone accompany you.
Ask for a Referral
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to get an upper GI endoscopy from the caring gastroenterologist at OSF Medical Group. Need a primary care provider? Browse our directory.