An Upper GI endoscopy can usually be done as an outpatient procedure, usually taking about 15-30 minutes (depending on what needs to be done).

For this test, you will lie on your side or back on an exam table, and sedation is used with an anaesthetist present to administer.

Then an endoscope – a thin, flexible tube with a light and a small video camera on the end – is put in through your mouth and down your throat, into the areas of exploration.

The areas of interest are assessed, with photographs taken as appropriate.

Sometimes people are referred for an endoscopy to look for causes of problems in the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum, or because of symptoms being experienced such as trouble swallowing, heartburn, feeling full quickly, or coughing up/vomiting blood.

Your GP or specialist may also refer you for an endoscopy to look at an abnormal area seen on an imaging test such as an X-ray or CT scan.

As with all medical interventions, there are risks involved that need to be discussed specific to your circumstances. It is important that you have a good understanding of risks and consider them in relation to the benefit of the procedure and the risks to your health if the procedure were not to be done.

Aside from generalised risks of anaesthesia, there are specific risks related to endoscopic procedures include:

• Bleeding. This may be minimal that resolves with close observation or may require admission to hospital, blood transfusion, another endoscopic procedure or surgery.
• Perforation. This is an event where a hole is made to the gut. This requires admission to hospital for observation and may require repeat endoscopic procedure (close perforation with endoscopic clips) or surgery.
• Incomplete examination. There can be a number of reasons, poor tolerance of anaesthetic, technical difficulty of procedure, unfavourable anatomy, poor preparation of the bowel.
• Missed lesion. Despite close attention, multiple imaging modality, there is risk that lesions can be missed.