Upper GI Endoscopy
Upper GI Endoscopy is an out-patient procedure wherein a flexible fibreoptic scope with a camera at its tip is introduced through the mouth to examine the upper part of the digestive system.
Structures that can be visualized include the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, first and second part of the duodenum (small intestine), and the ampulla (opening of the bile and pancreatic tubes).
This procedure, which is done under local anaesthesia sprayed into the mouth, can be both diagnostic and therapeutic in selected cases.
Conditions Where Upper GI Endoscopy is Employed
A) Diagnosis & Biopsy
- Acid peptic diseases – Esophagitis, Gastritis, Duodenitis
- GERD – Gastro-esophageal reflux disease
- Hiatus hernias
- Ulcers – Gastric & Duodenal
- Helicobacter Pylori infections
- Oesophageal tumours & cancers
- Gastric tumours & cancers
- Peri-ampullary tumours & cancers
- Portal hypertension – varices / gastropathy in liver diseases
B) Therapeutic
- Removal of foreign body
- Banding of esophageal varices
- Control of bleeding
- Removal of small tumours
