Endoscopy

An endoscopy, which may also be called an upper endoscopy or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat certain conditions affecting the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. The procedure may also be used to evaluate possible causes of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

The procedure may be recommended to evaluate and diagnose possible:

An upper endoscopy can also remove polyps and tumors and may be used as a treatment approach to control bleeding, open narrow parts of the upper gastrointestinal tract or for laser surgery.

Preparing for an Endoscopy

You will need to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 8 to12 hours before your upper endoscopy to make sure your stomach is empty for the procedure.

You’ll receive clear, specific instructions from your doctor ahead of time, so you know exactly what to do to prepare for your double balloon endoscopy.

During the Procedure

During an endoscopy, which typically lasts about 15 to 30 minutes, your gastroenterologist will insert a thin, flexible, lighted tube called endoscope into your mouth. The endoscope contains a small camera that sends real-time images to a monitor so your doctor can guide the endoscope to the specific area of the gastrointestinal tract to be evaluated.

The endoscopy is equipped with a camera and a light that helps the doctor see and take pictures of the inside of the upper gastrointestinal tract. If needed, the doctor can also perform certain treatments or take small samples of tissue for evaluation by a pathologist.

Will There Be Side Effects Afterward?

Although rare, the potential risks of an endoscopy include:

  • Sore throat from having the endoscope inserted into your mouth.
  • Infection.
  • Bleeding.
  • Tear in the gastrointestinal tract.

You may also experience some side effects from the anesthesia you receive such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness.

Your doctor will go over the possible side effects of an endoscopy with you and answer any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure. 

Why Choose Cooper for Your Endoscopy 

Cooper’s multidisciplinary team includes gastroenterologists, pathologists, thoracic surgeons, general surgeons, nurse practitioners, and other health care professionals working together collaboratively to provide you or your loved one with the most advanced care possible.

The unparalleled expertise, cutting-edge technologies and advanced approaches to care are designed to keep our patients out of the operating room. In those cases where surgery is needed, Cooper has the expertise to perform minimally invasive procedures.

Contact Us

To learn more about endoscopy or to make an appointment, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).

Refer a Patient

If you are a doctor who wants to refer a patient for an endoscopy, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).