Upper GI Endoscopy is a procedure which may be diagnostic or therapeutic done by gastroenterologist to see lining of upper GI tract. It is done with an endoscope- a flexible tube with a camera, under light sedation to relax the patient
Symptoms for which Uppe
r GI endoscopy is done
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Swallowing problem or dysphagia
- Heart burn/ acid reflux
- Hematemesis/ melena
- Unexplained weight loss
Hematemesis is blood in vomitus. Melena is passage of black tarry stool, generally indicate slow bleed in GI tract, most commonly Upper GI from stomach and duodenum
Diagnosis
- Esophagus Cancer/ Stomach Cancer
- Corrosive Injury
- Esophagus/Stomach Ulcer
- Esophageal and Gastric varices
- Biopsy taken during procedure make the diagnosis of cancer
Therapeutic procedures done through upper GI Endoscopy
- Dilatation of the esophagus and antral stricture
- Banding and glue injection for varices
- Foreign body removal
Preparation
- Fasting for 4 hrs
- Blood thinner drugs should be stopped
Complications
- Bleeding
- Perforation
Cost of Upper GI Endoscopy
It is not a painful procedure as nowadays it is done under mild sedation. Cost of procedure varies from one institute to other and also the indication for procedure. Simple diagnostic procedure cost varies from 1500 INR to 4000 INR