What your gastroenterologist in Houston wants you to know

Upper endoscopy is a valuable screening and diagnostic procedure to evaluate your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, which is part of the small intestine. Upper endoscopy, also referred to as an EGD, can help your gastroenterologist diagnose and treat painful gastrointestinal conditions like GERD, ulcers, or celiac disease. Dr. Krishnamurthy Shivshanker at Houston Digestive Diseases Consultants in Houston, TX, wants to share the facts about upper endoscopy and how the procedure can help you.

You might need an upper endoscopy if you experience:

• Chronic nausea and vomiting
• Pain in your abdomen
• Problems swallowing
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

Some of the problems which can be identified by upper endoscopy include:

• Celiac disease
• Anemia or peptic ulcers
• Esophageal inflammation or injury
• Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD)
• Esophageal, stomach, or intestinal cancers

Upper endoscopy allows your gastroenterologist to treat medical conditions by dilating your esophagus to get better access to structures of your digestive system. The procedure can also be used to take biopsies of abnormal tissue, remove polyps, or cauterize tissue to stop bleeding.

To prepare for upper endoscopy, your doctor will request that you stop eating or drinking at least 4 to 8 hours before the procedure, and stop taking any blood thinning medications including NSAIDS.

You may be given a sedative before the procedure, so it is best to arrive with someone who can take you home afterward. Your doctor may use the anesthetic spray to slightly numb your throat, and then the endoscope is inserted into your mouth and guided down your throat.

The endoscope is a thin, flexible tube which has a camera on one end. During your procedure, the camera allows your doctor to visualize your esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine in real time. The procedure is easily tolerated and you may even fall asleep.

For more detailed information about upper endoscopy, please visit the Upper Endoscopy section on the Houston Digestive Diseases Consultants website at http://www.houstontxgi.com/library/4281/UnderstandingUpperEndoscopy.html

Upper endoscopy is a vital tool in maintaining your esophageal and gastrointestinal health. To find out more about upper endoscopy and other gastrointestinal services, call Dr. Shivshanker at Houston Digestive Diseases Consultants in Houston, TX, today!