What is Upper GI Endoscopy?

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Upper GI endoscopy may be recommended if you have:

• Abdominal pain
• Severe heartburn
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Abnormal x-ray or other examinations of the gastrointestinal tract

Conditions that can be diagnosed with upper GI endoscopy include:

• Ulcers
• Tumors
• Polyps
• Abnormal narrowing
• Inflammation

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have upper GI endoscopy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding
• Damage to the esophagus, stomach, or intestine
• Infection
• Respiratory depression (reduced breathing rate and/or depth)
• Reaction to sedatives or anesthesia

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Age: 60 or older
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Smoking , alcoholism , or drug use
• Malnutrition
• Recent illness
• Diabetes
• Heart or lung problems
• Bleeding disorders
• Use of certain medicines

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the test.

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