Upper GI Endoscopy

Gastroenterology

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:

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.

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