Upper Endoscopy Specialist

What does an upper endoscopy check for?

The primary function of an upper endoscopy, of “EGD” is to assess the state of your symptoms, including:

• Acid Reflux
• Upper abdominal pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Dysphagia (difficult or painful swallowing)
• Fullness after meals
• Gas and Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Unexplained cough
• Chest pain not attributable to your heart
• Black stools

Dr. Vizuete also uses upper endoscopies to look for signs of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

While X-rays and other imaging tests can give Dr. Vizuete a clear image of the inside of your body, upper endoscopies provide a much more in-depth image of the lining of your gastrointestinal tract. They are instrumental in helping your doctor identify inflamed areas, ulcers, and tumors.

Dr. Vizuete might also take tissue for a biopsy to analyze the health of your gastrointestinal tissue. We use expert pathologists, specifically trained in gastrointestinal disorders to read your biopsy

What should I expect during the procedure?

Similar to colonoscopy, you will be sedated with IV medication for your upper endoscopy. Dr. Vizuete then gently inserts a flexible tube with a high definition camera on the end into your mouth. This tube, known as a gastroscope, allows Dr. Vizuete to see the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of your small intestine. Dr. Vizuete is methodical and careful as he performs your exam. The test takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

What is esophageal dilation?

Esophageal dilation is a procedure designed to enlarge the interior of the esophagus.

Dr. Vizuete may recommend esophageal dilation to improve your swallow function depending on the underlying problem. Sometimes more than one dilation may be necessary to improve your symptoms. People who have had long standing heartburn, head or neck surgery, radiation, or certain swallowing disorders may benefit from a dilation.

While esophageal dilation is by no means a cure, it can reduce your symptoms significantly.

What is Barrett’s esophagus and how do you treat it?

Barrett’s esophagus refers to a condition in which the lining of the lower esophagus undergoes changes that increase the risk for esophageal cancer. In most cases, Barrett’s esophagus is related to chronic GERD.

To treat Barrett’s esophagus, Dr. Vizuete can recommend:

• Regular endoscopies to analyze the cells in your esophagus
• GERD treatment
• Endoscopic resection
• Radiofrequency ablation
• GERD surgery

Dr. Vizuete uses upper endoscopies to determine how much damage has been done to your lower esophagus. From there, he can recommend appropriate and expert treatment.

If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms or want to learn more about the benefits of upper endoscopies, get in touch with the office today by phone or online to book an appointment.