When you’re dealing with gastrointestinal issues, your doctor needs a way to see the inside of your gastrointestinal tract to be able to diagnose what you might be dealing with. One of the best ways to do that is by performing an upper endoscopy. During this procedure, your doctor uses a scope to view the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine, also known as the duodenum. This procedure can also start treating certain issues. Your gastroenterologists at Paragon Surgical Center in St. Thomas, VI, can explain when an upper endoscopy is necessary and why you may need one.
When to Get an Upper Endoscopy
When you’re dealing with gastrointestinal issues, it’s hard to determine what exactly is bothering you without looking inside. When you’re dealing with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or issues with swallowing, these can often be diagnosed by using an upper endoscopy from your doctor in St. Thomas, VI.
An upper endoscopy allows your doctor to get a direct view of what’s going on and lets them take a biopsy for testing. This is often more accurate than other forms of testing and diagnosing problems that occur in the digestive system.
Some common issues that can be diagnosed with an upper endoscopy include:
- Crohn’s disease
- Acid reflux
- Cancerous and noncancerous tumors
- Inflammation
- Celiac disease
- Ulcers
- Swallowing disorders
Your doctor can also use an upper endoscopy to treat bleeding in the upper digestive tract and remove polyps or tumors in the digestive system.
Contact Your Doctor Today!
If you’re dealing with unexplained abdominal pain or issues with your digestive tract, you may need an upper endoscopy. Contact your gastroenterologists at Paragon Surgical Center in St. Thomas, VI, to find out if an upper endoscopy could help you. Call for more information at (340) 715-7874.