Upper endoscopy factsheet
Introduction
An upper endoscopy is a procedure that looks at the top half of the digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The top half of the GI includes the:
- oesophagus – the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach
- stomach – the organ that takes in and digests food and fluids from eating and drinking
- duodenum – the first section of the small intestine that connects to the stomach and further digests food and fluids.
In an upper endoscopy, a long flexible tube with a camera lens and light is inserted down the back of the throat and into the stomach. This tube is called an endoscope; it lets the doctor look at the lining of the upper GI tract.
An upper endoscopy is used to look for:
- inflammation
- redness
- ulcers – sores that develop on the inside of the body
- bleeding
- polyps – small growths that form on the inside of the body
- varices - enlarged veins in the oesophagus
- strictures - narrowing of the oesophagus.
Sometimes, an upper endoscopy is done at the same time as a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a procedure that looks at the bottom half of the digestive system.
Before the procedure
You will be contacted by the hospital and given information about:
- sedation and fasting instructions
- any other preparation needed
- what time to arrive.
The endoscopy is done while your child is under sedation. This means they will be asleep and not feel any discomfort.
During the procedure
The endoscopy procedure normally takes between 10-20 minutes. This will depend on whether:
- the doctor finds anything in the GI tract
- there is another procedure happening at the same time.
Generally, the steps of an upper endoscopy are:
- a mouth guard is placed in your child’s mouth to protect their teeth
- the endoscope is passed through the mouth guard and down into the top half of the GI tract
- carbon dioxide gas and sterile water are gently pumped through the endoscope to inflate the GI tract, giving a better view of the lining
- pictures are taken of the lining
- a small sample of the lining is taken out for testing, also called a biopsy.
Your child’s doctor may need to do another procedure during the upper endoscopy. This could include:
- widening any narrowed parts of the oesophagus
- treatment to stop bleeding
- removal of polyps
- removal of foreign objects in the upper GI tract.
Polyps
Sometimes, the doctor might find polyps inside the upper GI tract.
Polyps are small growths that are usually harmless but can develop into cancer. Polyps can be removed during the endoscopy by inserting a small instrument through the endoscope and snipping the polyp off.
If the polyps are large, the doctor may use a clip or noose to tie the bottom of the growth before removing it.
The removed polyp will be sent off for testing to make sure there is no cancer present.
After the procedure
After the procedure, the doctor will let you know if anything was found and the next steps. Results from the biopsy and polyps may take longer, so a follow-up appointment will be made.
Your child may be groggy and nauseous after the procedure. They may also have some:
- minor bleeding
- gas and bloating
- general discomfort.
Your child should start to feel better after some time in recovery and will usually be able to go home the same day.
Management
Potential complications and risks
Like any procedure, there are complications and risks with an upper endoscopy.
These are rare, but can include:
- aspiration - inhaling food or fluid into the lungs while under anaesthetic
- reaction to medication used for the sedation
- bleeding from the biopsy and removal of polyps
- bleeding and blockage in the GI tract
- tears in the walls of the GI tract
- infection.
Your child’s doctor will talk to you about risks and complications before the procedure. Make sure you ask any questions you might have.
When to seek help
Go to your nearest emergency department as soon as possible if your child shows the following signs after the endoscopy:
- severe abdominal pain, worse than cramps from gas
- a firm, enlarged belly
- vomiting that is yellow to green in colour
- fever
- difficulty swallowing or severe throat pain
- a crunching feeling under the skin of the neck and chest
- fever.
