An upper endoscopy from your doctors in Saint Thomas, VI, can help you feel better.
An upper endoscopy is a procedure that is used to diagnose a wide variety of gastrointestinal conditions. The procedure, also known as an EGD, is an excellent tool to diagnose the cause of stomach pain, esophageal pain, intestinal bleeding, and more.
The gastroenterologists at Paragon Surgical Center in Saint Thomas, VI, provide a wide range of GI services, including upper endoscopy treatment to help you feel better.
Your gastroenterologist might recommend an upper endoscopy to determine what is causing your:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Frequent nausea and vomiting
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
Your gastroenterologist might recommend an upper endoscopy to diagnose:
- Anemia
- Peptic ulcers
- Celiac disease
- Esophageal inflammation
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Esophageal, stomach, or intestinal cancers
To perform an upper endoscopy, your doctor will use an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera attached to one end. The endoscope is placed in your mouth and guided down your esophagus and into your upper intestine.
The camera makes it possible for your gastroenterologist to view your esophagus and upper GI system. If your doctor finds polyps or abnormal growths, a tissue sample can be taken, which will be biopsied to determine the presence of abnormal, precancerous, or cancerous cells.
An upper endoscopy procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, with no hospital stay. You will be given a sedative beforehand and may not remember much of the procedure. You need to bring a driver with you to take you home after the procedure.
An upper endoscopy can provide your gastroenterologist with vital information about the health of your upper GI system. It’s an excellent tool to diagnose GI issues early, when they are easily treatable.
To learn more about the benefits of upper endoscopy and how it can help you feel better, call the doctors at Paragon Surgical Center in Saint Thomas, VI, at (217) 592-2863. Call now.