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What is an Upper Endoscopy?
- The doctor looks at the lining of your food pipe (oesophagus), stomach and duodenum (first part of the small bowel).
- The doctor will use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope which has a camera attached at the end. The images of the inner lining of your food pipe, stomach and duodenum can then be seen on a video screen.
- The doctor may start by spraying your throat with local anaesthesia. You will be given sedation to help you relax.
- You will then lie on your left side and your doctor will pass the tube into your mouth and down your food pipe (oesophagus), stomach and duodenum (small bowel leading from the stomach).
- The endoscope does not cause problems with your breathing. Most patients find the test only a bit uncomfortable, and many patientsfall asleep.
What are the Benefits of an Upper Endoscopy?
The benefits include the following:
- To help the doctor establish a diagnosis.
- To help the doctor treat Helicobacter Pylori, a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
What are the Risks of an Upper Endoscopy?
All procedures Involve an element of risk but you should be aware of them. There are some risks, all of which are very rare. These include:
- A tear(perforation) through the wall of the food pipe, stomach or duodenum.
- Bleeding at a biopsy site or at the site where a polyp has been removed.
- Lung infection is uncommon and is due to vomit going into the lungs.
- The procedure may not be able to complete due to complications arisen or becauseof technical problems(e.g. blocked passage).
- Risk related to sedation or anaesthesia (if necessary).
- There is a remote risk of death or stroke that may not be related to the procedure.
The list is not exhaustive.
What are the Alternative Procedures to an Upper Endoscopy?
The alternative procedures are as follows:
- Contrast studies such as barium studies may be able to identify problems within the food pipe, stomach and duodenum.
- Capsule endoscopy is a newer technology that allows the doctor to look at the same tract.
What is Procedural Sedation?
A sedative drug is injected into a vein to induce a "sleep like" state. It makes you feel relaxed during the procedure. You may remember some or little about what has happened during the procedure.
What are the Benefits of Procedural Sedation?
To reduce pain or discomfort experienced during a medical procedure or examination.
What are the Risks of Procedural Sedation?
Procedural sedation is generally very safe but sedation has a risk with side effects and complications. Whilst these are usually temporary, some of them may cause long-term problems.
The risk to you will depend on:
- Whether you haveany other illness
- Personal factors, such as whether you smoke or are overweight.
Common Risks for All Patients
- Headache
- Faintness or dizziness, especially when you start to move around
- Pain and/or bruising at injection site
- Fall In blood pressure
Less Common Risk for All Patients
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
- Temporary nerve damage
- Muscle aches and pains
- Mild allergic reaction - itching or rash
Uncommon Risk for All Patients
- Allergic reactions and/ or asthma
- An existing medical condition getting worse
- Epileptic seizure
Rare Risks
- Severe allergy or shock
- Vomit in the lungs (Pneumonia)
- Blood clot in the lungs
- Stroke or heart attack
- Paralysis
- Brain damage
You may have Increased Risks:
1. If You Are:
Elderly
A Smoker
Overweight
2. If You Have The Following:
A bad cold or flu, asthma or other chest disease
Diabetes/ Heart disease/ Kidney disease
High blood pressure
Other serious medical conditions
Alternatives
- You may opt for no sedation if you wish to.
- Under certain circumstances, the doctor may decide that the procedure be performed under deep sedation which will be administered by the anaesthetist.
- Consequences of not receiving sedation; the pain and discomfort experienced by the patient may interfere with the progression of the patient's medical examination or procedure.
