ugi endoscopy diagnostic therapeutic

Upper GI Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure in which insertion of a long, thin tube with a light and camera attached to it (flexible endoscope) is passed into the digestive tract through the mouth. During this procedure one can directly examine and take pictures/video of digestive tract on a coloured TV monitor.

The procedure can be diagnostic or therapeutic. Main indications for Pediatricupper GI Endoscopy are:

• Recurrent pain abdomen
• Chronic vomiting
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Upper GI bleed
• Growth failure
• Removal of a foreign objectfrom the GI tract
• Ligation of bleeding varices/ cauterizationof a bleeding vessel
• Dilatation of esophageal or pyloric stricture

Biopsy taken during the procedure aids in diagnosing various diseases. The tissue obtained through biopsy is examined under the microscope by a histopathologist.

The procedure is extremely safe. It is done in an outpatient settingunder mild sedation with all the precautions. It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete it. The child caneat or drink normally after the procedure and can be sent home in around 2 hours after the procedure.