An upper endoscopy in Chicago, IL, is a minimally invasive test performed by Dr. David Chua, Dr. Rajeev Nayar, and Dr. Albert Saporta of Summit Digestive & Liver Disease Specialists. It uses an endoscope to view your esophagus, stomach, and first segment of the small intestine.

An endoscope, a thin tube with a light and a camera attached, is inserted into your mouth, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This allows the doctor to view the lining of these organs on a video monitor.

Preparation

Also called gastroscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD, this procedure examines the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (known as the duodenum). Before your test, follow your doctor's instructions regarding what can and cannot be eaten or drunk. Additionally, stop taking medications that thin the blood or prevent clotting (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, or warfarin).

This test can is highly effective in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, cancers, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis), and celiac disease, to name a few. An upper endoscopy is typically a quick and painless procedure that takes 15-30 minutes. However, in this short time, it provides an invaluable means of diagnosing any issues with your esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.

Procedure

The procedure is generally safe and rarely leads to complications, but you should know some potential risks before beginning the test - including infection. Your condition will be monitored throughout the procedure to guarantee no adverse reaction to sedatives or any underlying factors, such as an existing heart or lung disorder, that could cause complications afterward.

You may require medication known as sedatives to help you relax during the procedure, and monitors may be attached to your body to measure heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.

If your endoscopy includes a biopsy of an area that appears suspicious, a blood transfusion may be necessary. While this is rare, contact your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of bleeding (i.e., black stools) after the test.

Recovery

Once your sedative wears off, you will be given liquid medicine to gargle or spray on your throat to numb it. Please remember that the sedatives administered during the procedure cause drowsiness, so you should refrain from driving or operating machinery for at least 8 hours afterward. Once completed, your doctor will provide a detailed exam report and instructions on obtaining results from any biopsies.

Call Summit Digestive & Liver Disease Specialists at (630) 889-9889 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Chua, Dr. Nayar, and Dr. Saporta and determine if an upper endoscopy in Chicago, IL, is your best option.