An upper endoscopy is a medical procedure to visually examine the esophagus, the stomach and part of the duodenum.
During the procedure, a physician uses an endoscope (a long, thin, flexible instrument about 1/2 inch in diameter) to examine the inside of the upper digestive system.
The endoscope lets the doctor observe and take pictures of the lining of the upper digestive system. The procedure is commonly used to help identify the causes of abdominal or chest pain, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, bleeding or swallowing disorders. Abnormalities can also be treated through the endoscope: polyps (usually benign growths) can be identified and removed, and tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken for analysis. Procedures such as stretching narrowed areas, removing swallowed objects or treating bleeding from the upper digestive system can also be performed as part of upper endoscopy. Endoscopy can also help identify inflammation, ulcers and tumors.