Upper GI endoscopy, also called gastroscopy, lets the doctor look directly at the lining of the food pipe, stomach and first part of the small intestine. A thin, flexible tube with a light and camera is passed through the mouth, and the images appear on a screen as the examination is carried out. It is usually advised for heartburn that does not settle with treatment, difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, upper abdominal pain, unexplained anaemia or suspected bleeding.

At Apex, a gastroenterologist first sees patients looking for an endoscopy in Mumbai and reviews their symptoms, past illnesses and current medicines. Fasting instructions are given in advance, and the doctor will say whether any medicine, such as a blood thinner, needs to be adjusted. The test is done with throat-numbing spray or sedation and usually takes only a short time. If needed, the doctor can take a small tissue sample, test for H. pylori, stop bleeding or widen a narrowed area during the same examination.
Afterwards, patients rest until the effects of sedation wear off. Anyone who has been sedated should have someone accompany them home and should not drive that day. Biopsy results are usually ready after a few days and are discussed at follow-up.

How the Procedure Can Help

Endoscopy shows the lining of the upper digestive tract far more clearly than most scans. It can identify ulcers, inflammation, growths and the source of bleeding. Because tissue can be sampled and some problems treated in the same sitting, it often shortens the path from symptoms to a clear diagnosis.
 

Risks and Considerations

Most people have only a mild sore throat or bloating afterwards. Rare complications include bleeding after a biopsy, a tear in the wall of the digestive tract, inhaling stomach contents and reactions to sedation. Tell the doctor about allergies, blood thinners and any heart or lung conditions beforehand. Severe chest or abdominal pain, fever, vomiting or black stools after the test need urgent medical attention.