Upper Endoscopy

Pinpointing the cause of abdominal pain, bleeding, and other gastrointestinal (GI) problems is necessary to properly treat your condition and provide symptom relief. At Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Burlingame, California, highly trained gastroenterologist Ernest Ribera, MD, and his team offer upper endoscopy procedures to examine the inside of your upper GI tract. Schedule an evaluation today by phone or online to learn more.

What is an upper endoscopy?

An upper endoscopy, or upper GI endoscopy, is a diagnostic procedure that allows your specialist to examine your upper digestive tract closely, looking for signs of medical concern. Unlike a colonoscopy, which examines the lower part of the digestive tract, an upper endoscopy evaluates your esophagus, stomach, and the upper part of your small intestine.

Which conditions call for an upper endoscopy?

Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology will use upper endoscopy to determine the cause of or help diagnose:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Abdominal or esophageal pain
• Gastritis
• Ulcers
• Esophagitis
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• H. pylori bacteria (the cause of stomach ulcers)
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Some cancers

Your specialist can also use an upper endoscopy to treat digestive system problems. They can use an endoscope (a thin tube with a light and camera) to stop bleeding, widen your esophagus, obtain a biopsy, remove polyps, and complete other minor procedures.

Am I a candidate for an upper endoscopy?

Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology completes a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and discusses your symptoms to determine if you’re a candidate for an upper endoscopy or another diagnostic procedure. The practice also offers colonoscopies, FibroScan® GO, and others.

How should I prepare for an upper endoscopy?

You must stop taking some medications before the scheduled procedure. For example, avoid Xarelto®, Coumadin®, Eliquis®, and Pradaxa®. These anti-clotting drugs increase your chance of bleeding. Some doctors will ask you to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium for the same reason. Don’t take iron pills during the seven days before your exam.

Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight before the procedure. If it’s in the afternoon, you can have a few sips of water or ice chips six hours before your appointment. Your stomach must be empty to ensure safety and avoid complications.

Make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

What should I expect during an upper endoscopy?

Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology uses cutting-edge technology to complete an upper endoscopy. You first receive sedation to relax you and a local anesthetic to numb targeted tissues and avoid discomfort during the endoscope’s insertion.

Your specialist inserts a flexible tube with a camera and light through your mouth, down your throat, and into your upper digestive tract while you rest comfortably. They examine your inner GI tract and might complete a minor procedure, like obtaining a biopsy or removing a polyp.

Upper endoscopies typically take 20 minutes, but you can expect to be in the endoscopy center for two hours to ensure adequate recovery after sedation.

What happens after an upper endoscopy?

After an upper endoscopy, the Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology team reviews the results and provides a copy of your endoscopy report and discharge instructions. A family member or friend must drive you home. Follow up with your gastroenterologist as directed.

Schedule an evaluation at Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology today by phone or online to determine if you need an upper endoscopy.