Upper GI endoscopy: purpose, preparation and results
Upper GI endoscopy uses a camera to examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, helping diagnose gastrointestinal disease and allowing tissue sampling or treatment when needed.
Key points
- Upper gastrointestinal conditions and H. pylori
- Individual timing and preparation advice
- Findings, biopsy results and safety instructions
What is the examination?
Upper GI endoscopy directly examines the esophagus, stomach and duodenum with an endoscopic camera. It can help diagnose gastrointestinal disease early and permits tissue sampling when required. Seoul W Clinic offers both sedated and non-sedated options.
Its main purposes include diagnosing gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastric cancer and polyps; checking for Helicobacter pylori infection; and assessing bleeding, narrowing and inflammation. If an abnormality is found, tissue sampling or polyp removal may be performed for diagnosis or treatment.
Recommended age and interval
For adults aged 40 or older, regular upper GI endoscopy every two years is recommended even without digestive symptoms for gastric cancer screening and prevention of gastrointestinal disease.
People at higher risk, including those with a first-degree relative with gastric cancer or a previous gastrointestinal condition, may need a shorter interval after consultation with their clinician.
When may upper GI endoscopy be needed?
Discuss testing if heartburn, upper abdominal pain, post-meal fullness, early satiety or indigestion persists, or if unexplained weight loss or reduced appetite occurs. Recurrent nausea, belching or vomiting also warrants consultation.
Black stools or vomiting blood may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding and require prompt assessment. Previous gastritis, ulcers or H. pylori infection, a family history of gastric cancer or gastrointestinal disease, and reaching the regular screening age are also reasons to discuss endoscopy.
What should I discuss before the examination?
Do not eat or drink, including water, after 9 p.m. on the night before the examination. Tell reception in advance if you wear dentures or would like sedation. Breakfast and medicines are generally withheld on the morning of the examination. Some blood-pressure medicines may be taken with a small amount of water only after confirming this with the clinical team.
The examination requires an empty stomach, and eating may require rescheduling. Preparation can vary with your health and booked examination, so follow the clinic's individual instructions.
How should I understand the results?
The visual endoscopy findings and laboratory examination of sampled tissue are separate results. If tissue was taken, confirm how and when to receive the result and arrange follow-up. This page provides general information; confirm the actual scope of examination and treatment during consultation.
Safety after the examination
After sedated endoscopy, avoid driving, operating machinery and making important work decisions that day. Tell the team in advance about anticoagulants and all other medicines. Remove dentures and piercings when possible, or tell the team if they cannot be removed.
When sedation is used, the examination and recovery may take about one hour in total. If tissue was sampled, avoid a demanding schedule and rest on the day because minor bleeding can occur.
Frequently asked questions
Does a biopsy mean cancer?
No. Tissue sampling may distinguish inflammation, benign tumors and other conditions or clarify a lesion that cannot be identified by appearance alone. Ask your clinician why it was taken and what the result means.
Should I bring results from another hospital?
Bring any previous endoscopy and biopsy reports. They help the clinician understand your history and decide whether the examination needs to be repeated.
How long should I fast?
Fasting and other preparation can differ according to the examination and your health. Follow the individual instructions given by the clinical team.