What is Upper Endoscopy (Upper GI Endoscopy)?

Have you often felt an unexplained stomach pain, chronic acidity, or an inability to swallow food, and wondered what was happening in your digestive system? Many people in India, particularly those with gastrointestinal problems, often find that upper GI endoscopy, also known as the upper endoscopy procedure, is the appropriate solution.

This easy but immensely informative test enables physicians to have direct access to the oesophagus, the stomach, and the upper section of the small bowel to diagnose conditions that would otherwise remain unseen.

This article provides details of the upper endoscopy test, its applications, pricing, similarities, and differences with gastroscopy, and some of the side effects that may arise. You will also learn about what the patient should expect before, during, and after undergoing the tests.

Upper GIs or endoscopy is usually ordered when standard tests by other means (blood work, X-rays, etc.) do not present a distinct answer. Doctors administer it to help detect the precise cause of symptoms such as:

• Chronic acidity or heartburn (suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease - GERD)
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Unexplained abdominal pain or bloating
• Vomiting blood or passing black stools (possible internal bleeding)
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss without obvious reasons
• Screening for ulcers, gastritis, or early signs of cancer

It is also applicable in the endoscopy of liver conditions to examine oesophageal varices in the cirrhotic patient. Some experts also prescribe an endoscopy procedure in the case of heart-related problems, where gastrointestinal illnesses cause chest pains.

Patients may ask, “Does endoscopy hurt?” or even search, “Will endoscopy hurt?” The reality is that with the modern methods and pain control, it is fast, safe, and mostly painless.

This is an outline of the steps followed:

• Preparation: Patients are asked to fast for 6-8 hours before the test. This ensures a clear view and reduces the risk of aspiration.

• Anaesthesia for endoscopy: Local anaesthesia may be sprayed into the throat to reduce gagging, and a sedative is usually given intravenously to make the patient comfortable.

• Insertion of the scope: A thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is gently guided through the mouth into the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

• Visual examination: The doctor examines the lining of these organs in real time. Any abnormalities, such as ulcers, inflammation, bleeding, or tumours, can be spotted immediately.

• Biopsy (if needed): Small tissue samples can be taken for further testing. This is painless.

• Completion: The procedure generally takes 15-30 minutes. Recovery may take another 30-60 minutes as sedation wears off.

In India, the cost of an endoscopy test differs immensely depending on the type of hospital, its location, and any other tests conducted.

• Basic endoscopy charges in government hospitals may range from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000.

• In private hospitals, the endoscopy rate may be higher, typically between ₹4,000 and ₹10,000.

• If additional services like biopsies, special imaging, or therapeutic interventions are included, the cost can rise further.

• Patients are advised to request a cost breakdown to understand what is included. Insurance usually funds the procedure if it leads to a diagnosis.

The patients often ask about the distinctions between gastroscopy vs upper endoscopy. However, they both, more or less, refer to the same procedure of examining the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope.

But, only endoscopy refers to a method used to examine various internal body parts, such as joints, the intestines, the lungs, or the pelvis.

A second typical question involves whether the procedure is a painful endoscopy. Patients under sedation and throat anaesthesia feel little or no pain. Others may experience slight bloating, a sore throat, or drowsiness, but these symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours.

Common Side Effects of Endoscopy:

• Temporary throat irritation
• Gas or bloating
• Drowsiness from sedatives

Rare Risks:

• Bleeding (if a biopsy or polyp removal is performed)
• Perforation of the gastrointestinal wall (extremely rare)
• Allergic reaction to sedatives

As compared to other surgeries, endoscopic complications are minimal when specialists execute the procedure with the proper care and in the hands of a physician.

The answer to the question, “Will endoscopy be painful?” is that it is directly connected with anaesthesia. Sedation is typically administered to a patient, either so that they are conscious (but relaxed) or so that they are in some state that is neither asleep nor fully awake.

Doctors may also use general anaesthesia in certain instances, especially in children or anxious patients.

Options include:

• Local anaesthesia spray: Numbs the throat
• Conscious sedation (IV medication): Keeps the patient relaxed and drowsy
• General anaesthesia: Rarely used, only when necessary

Not all approaches are dangerous when carried out under a doctor's supervision, with control over oxygen levels and heart rate.

Treatment is easy. Some patients experience drowsiness during the first few hours and should avoid driving or using any heavy machinery on the same day. The first day is usually recommended to have a soft diet.

Upper GI or endoscopy procedure after care includes:

• Avoiding hot or spicy foods for a few hours
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Monitoring for symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or bleeding (rare but important to report)

Q. How much does an upper endoscopy test cost?

A. The cost of an upper endoscopy in India ranges between ₹1,500 and ₹10,000, depending on hospital type, location, additional procedures like biopsies, and sedation used. Insurance often covers expenses if the test is medically recommended and/or leads to a diagnosis.

Q. Is upper endoscopy painful, or will it hurt?

A. An upper endoscopy is generally not painful. Sedation and throat anaesthesia keep patients comfortable. Some experience mild throat irritation or bloating afterwards, but the procedure itself is quick, safe, and causes minimal discomfort under medical supervision.

Q. What are the side effects of undergoing an endoscopy?

A. Most patients only experience minor side effects like temporary sore throat, bloating, or drowsiness from sedatives. Rarely, complications include bleeding, infection, or perforation. Serious risks are uncommon when performed by experienced specialists with proper medical monitoring.

Q. What is the difference between gastroscopy and upper endoscopy?

A. They can be used interchangeably, as gastroscopy upper endoscopy (upper GI endoscopy) examines the stomach, while evaluating the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Only endoscopy provides an assessment of any internal organ of the body, such as joints, the intestines, the lungs, or the pelvis.

Q. What type of anaesthesia is used for an endoscopy?

A. Endoscopy usually involves conscious sedation with intravenous medication and a local anaesthesia spray to numb the throat. General anaesthesia is rarely required, reserved for exceptional cases such as children, anxious patients, or complex procedures requiring complete relaxation.

Q. How should I prepare for an upper GI endoscopy test?

A. Patients are usually asked to fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure. Certain medications may need adjustment. Loose clothing, arranging transport post-sedation, and discussing medical history with the doctor are also essential preparation steps.

Q. Can an endoscopy detect liver or stomach problems?

A. Yes, endoscopy can detect stomach ulcers, gastritis, tumours, and bleeding. It is also used in liver patients to assess oesophageal varices or related complications, making it an essential tool for gastrointestinal and liver-related diagnoses.