Examination of the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine.
An upper endoscopy uses a thin flexible tube with a camera to look at the esophagus, the stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. It shows inflammation, ulcers, narrowing, and changes in the lining that imaging alone cannot see. Small tissue samples, called biopsies, can be taken during the exam and examined in a laboratory.
Dr. Gomez may recommend an upper endoscopy for heartburn that has not settled with treatment, difficulty or discomfort with swallowing, ongoing nausea, upper abdominal pain, or anemia. It is also used to follow known conditions of the esophagus and stomach over time. Some treatments, such as gently widening a narrowed esophagus, can be done during the same exam.
The exam is done with sedation, and the throat is numbed so the tube passes easily. You will be asked not to eat or drink for a period beforehand; the office gives you those instructions when you schedule. Plan for someone to drive you home afterward. Dr. Gomez reviews what he saw with you before you leave, and any biopsy results are discussed once they return.
Leave your name, email, and phone and the office will call you back. Se habla Español.
