If you develop upper gastrointestinal system symptoms and the cause is unclear or needs assessing, you might undergo an upper endoscopy. Newtown Gastroenterology’s New York City locations include Elmhurst and Flushing in Queens, Sunset Park in Brooklyn, and Chinatown in Lower Manhattan, where experienced gastroenterologists offer certified in-office upper endoscopies. Call your nearest Newtown Gastroenterology office for more information about upper endoscopy, or book an appointment online today.
Upper endoscopy uses a thin, lighted instrument (endoscope) fitted with a camera to see inside your upper digestive tract — the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). The procedure requires sedation so you’re relaxed while the endoscope goes down your throat. Your gastroenterologist watches the endoscope’s video feed on a monitor, which allows them to see the tissues in detail and identify any abnormalities. Newtown Gastroenterology is American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) certified to perform in-office endoscopies that meet the highest safety standards.
The Newtown Gastroenterology team might recommend you undergo an upper endoscopy to diagnose upper GI tract symptoms such as:
• Unexplained abdominal pain
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Treatment-resistant heartburn (acid reflux)
Upper endoscopy helps to determine what’s causing these symptoms. Your gastroenterologist can also treat specific problems using specialized instruments they pass down the endoscope. Endoscopic ultrasound is where the team uses ultrasound imaging technology with endoscopy to create detailed images of specific digestive tract structures.
Most people don’t need a general anesthetic for their upper endoscopy. You have a sedative that makes you feel calm and sleepy, and your provider sprays a local anesthetic onto your throat so you don’t feel the endoscope as it enters your esophagus.
You lie on a comfortable exam table, typically on your side or back. Your provider inserts the endoscope’s flexible tubing into your mouth and then stomach. They carefully study the video feed and note any problems. They might extract a small tissue sample for lab analysis to confirm a diagnosis. They can also treat certain conditions, for example, sealing a bleeding gastric ulcer.
An upper endoscopy typically takes 15-30 minutes.
After your upper endoscopy, you go to the recovery area while the sedative wears off. You might have mild side effects such as bloating, gas, cramping, or a sore throat, but these wear off in a day or so. Take it easy for the rest of the day. The team reviews your upper endoscopy results and lets you know what needs to happen next. Call Newtown Gastroenterology to learn more about upper endoscopy and its uses. Alternatively, go online to schedule a consultation.
