Upper GI Endoscopy and Dilatation

An upper GI endoscopy is a medical procedure used to visually examine the upper digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The procedure involves using a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end, called an endoscope, to look for abnormalities such as ulcers, inflammation, or tumors.

What is Upper GI Endoscopy Used For?

• Diagnosing conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and celiac disease
• Investigating symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, and bleeding in the digestive tract
• Monitoring the healing of esophageal or gastric ulcers
• Removing polyps or other growths from the upper GI tract
• Taking tissue samples (biopsies) for further examination

How is an Upper GI Endoscopy Performed?

The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes to complete and is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The patient is given a sedative to help them relax, and the endoscope is inserted through the mouth and guided through the esophagus into the stomach and duodenum.

Preparation for Upper GI Endoscopy

• The patient must fast for at least 6 hours before the procedure to ensure that the stomach is empty
• Certain medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be stopped before the procedure
• The patient will be asked to remove any dentures or other oral appliances before the procedure

Dilatation

Dilatation is a procedure that involves using a balloon or dilator to widen a narrowed area of the upper GI tract, such as the esophagus. This can be done during an upper GI endoscopy.

What is Dilatation Used For?

• Treating conditions such as esophageal strictures (narrowing of the esophagus) or achalasia (a condition where the muscles in the esophagus do not function properly)
• Relieving difficulty swallowing or food getting stuck in the throat
• Allowing for the passage of food and fluids through a narrowed area of the upper GI tract

How is Dilatation Performed?

The dilatation procedure typically takes place during an upper GI endoscopy. The endoscope is used to guide a balloon or dilator into the narrowed area, and then the balloon is inflated to widen the area.

Risks and Complications of Upper GI Endoscopy and Dilatation

• Bleeding or perforation of the upper GI tract
• Infection
• Reaction to the sedative used during the procedure
• Damage to the teeth or mouth
• Adverse reaction to the dilatation procedure, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing

Aftercare and Follow-up

After an upper GI endoscopy and dilatation, the patient will be monitored for a period of time to ensure that they are recovering well from the procedure. They may experience some discomfort, such as bloating or cramping, but this should resolve on its own within a few hours.

The patient will typically be given instructions on how to care for themselves after the procedure, including:

• Following a liquid diet for a certain period of time
• Avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity
• Taking medications as directed by their doctor
• Following up with their doctor to discuss the results of the procedure and any further treatment that may be needed