Endoscopy is a procedure that examines the upper digestive system. It is commonly used to identify the causes of abdominal or chest pain, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, bleeding, and swallowing disorders. It can also help identify inflammation, ulcers, and tumors.

The endoscopy procedure lasts about 15 – 20 minutes and is performed by a gastroenterologist or a general surgeon. A local anesthetic (pain-relieving medication) may be applied at the back of the throat and a pain reliever and sedative are administered intravenously (through the vein). Patients feel drowsy and relaxed. During the procedure, a physician uses an endoscope – a long, thin, flexible tube, which can be easily passed into the intestines. This flexible tube has a light and camera and produces a color television picture of the inside of the body. The endoscope passes through the mouth, throat, and into the food pipe. Similarly, endoscopes can be passed into the large intestine (colon) to examine this area of the intestine.

After the procedure, the patient stays in a recovery room for about 30 minutes. The physician who performs the procedure will send the results to the primary or referring physician.