Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Why It Is Done

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Why It Is Done

An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may be done to:

• Find problems in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These problems can include:
  • Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis).
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • A narrowing (stricture) of the esophagus.
  • Barrett's esophagus, a condition that increases the risk for developing esophageal cancer.
  • Hiatal hernia.
  • Ulcers.
  • Cancer.
• Find the cause of vomiting blood (hematemesis).
• Find the cause of symptoms, such as upper abdominal pain or bloating, difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), vomiting, or unexplained weight loss.
• Find the cause of an infection.
• Document the healing of stomach ulcers.
• Look at the inside of the stomach and upper small intestine (duodenum) after surgery.
• Look for a blockage in the opening between the stomach and duodenum (gastric outlet obstruction).

Endoscopy may also be done to:

• Check for an esophageal injury in an emergency (for example, if the person has swallowed poison).
• Collect tissue samples (biopsy) for examination in the laboratory.
• Remove growths from inside the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine (gastrointestinal polyps).
• Treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding, including bleeding caused by engorged veins in the esophagus (esophageal varices).
• Remove foreign objects that have been swallowed.
• Look for bleeding that may be causing a decrease in the amount of oxygen-carrying substance (hemoglobin) found in red blood cells (anemia).

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