When do you need an endoscopy? Symptoms, preparation and what to expect
The symptoms that lead a gastroenterologist to recommend an upper GI endoscopy, how to prepare, what happens during the test and how soon you can go home.
By the Healtree Hospital clinical team.
An upper GI endoscopy lets a gastroenterologist look inside the food pipe, stomach and first part of the small intestine with a thin flexible camera. It is usually advised for acidity that does not settle with treatment, difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss or anaemia, or persistent upper abdominal pain. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes and most people go home the same day.
Talk to a specialist
Medical Gastroenterology & General Medicine
MBBS, DNB (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Gastroenterology)
Book with Dr. RajasekaranAbout Medical Gastroenterology & HepatologySymptoms that may need an endoscopy
Many digestive symptoms settle with simple treatment. An endoscopy is recommended when they do not, or when there are warning signs.
- Acidity or heartburn that continues despite medicines
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing, or food sticking
- Vomiting blood, or black, tarry stools
- Unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite or anaemia
- Persistent upper abdominal pain or vomiting
- Follow-up of ulcers, Barrett's oesophagus or varices in liver disease
How to prepare
You will usually be asked not to eat for six to eight hours before the test so the stomach is empty. Tell the team about all your medicines, especially blood thinners and diabetes medicines, as some may need to be adjusted. Bring a family member if you are given sedation, as you should not drive afterwards.
What happens during the test
Your throat is numbed with a spray, and a mild sedative may be given to help you relax. You lie on your side while the endoscope is passed gently through the mouth. It does not affect your breathing. If needed, small tissue samples (biopsies) are taken; this is painless. The test itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
After the test
You rest for a short while until any sedation wears off. A mild sore throat or bloating is common and settles within a day. The doctor usually explains the findings the same day; biopsy results take a few days. Contact the hospital if you have severe pain, fever, or vomit blood afterwards.
See a specialist in Neelankarai, ECR
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Our Medical Gastroenterology & Hepatology team at Healtree Multi-Speciality Centre & Hospital can assess your situation. The hospital is open 24 hours.
Specialists: Dr. Rajasekaran
Related services: Endoscopy & Colonoscopy
Frequently asked questions
- Is an endoscopy painful?
- Most people find it uncomfortable rather than painful. The throat spray and sedation make it easier, and the test is short.
- What is the difference between an endoscopy and a colonoscopy?
- An upper GI endoscopy goes through the mouth to examine the food pipe and stomach. A colonoscopy goes through the back passage to examine the large intestine and needs bowel preparation the day before.
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