Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Risks

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Risks

Complications from gastrointestinal endoscopy are rare. There is a slight risk of puncturing your throat (esophagus), stomach, or upper small intestine (duodenum). If this happens, you may need to have surgery to fix it. There is also a slight chance of infection after an endoscopy.

Bleeding may also occur from the test or if a tissue sample (biopsy) is taken, but this usually stops on its own without treatment. If you vomit during the examination and some of the material you vomit enters your lungs, aspiration pneumonia is a possible risk. If it develops, it can be treated with antibiotics.

An irregular heartbeat may occur during the test but nearly always subsides on its own without treatment.

The procedure has more risk for people with serious heart disease, older adults, and those who are frail or physically weakened. Although complications are rare, you should discuss your specific risks with your doctor.

After the test

After the test, call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you develop:

• Chest pain.
• Moderate to severe difficulty breathing.

After the test, call your doctor immediately if you:

• Feel short of breath or dizzy.
• Have symptoms of infection, such as fever or chills.
• Vomit blood, whether it is fresh and red or is old and looks like coffee grounds.

Last updated:	April 11, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Tracy Landauer