Question: What is an Endoscopy?
Answer: The endoscopy (also known as an upper endoscopy) allows the doctor to examine the inside of the patient's esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) with an instrument called an endoscope, a thin, flexible, lighted tube.
During the endoscopy exam, the doctor will be able to see the walls and tissue of the upper digestive tract, and will be able to detect disorders such as strictures (narrowed areas), hiatal hernias, ulcers, polyps, Barrett’s esophagus, and tumors. If necessary, biopsies can be obtained. The procedure is done using sedation, so the patient does not typically experience pain or discomfort.
Sources:
"Heartburn? Could It Be GERD? Understanding Heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)" AN417/AGA/GERD/Booklet 12/3/03. American Gastroenterological Association. Accessed on 3 Mar 2009.
