Endoscopy FAQs

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Palmetto GI believes overall health starts with a proactive approach to digestive health. Upper and capsule endoscopies are among the best methods to understand and optimize your digestive health.

We also understand that an endoscopy can seem like an uncomfortable or scary procedure. Our team is here to educate you, so you’re comfortable and confident every step of the way.

Endoscopy FAQs

What is an upper endoscopy?

An upper endoscopy (also called an EGD — esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is gently passed through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper portion of the small intestine. It is used to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions such as GERD, ulcers, Barrett’s esophagus, celiac disease, and unexplained or abnormal gastrointestinal bleeding.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a video camera the size of a pill. The camera takes pictures as it makes its way down your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. A capsule endoscopy may be necessary when a doctor needs to examine the small intestine for bleeding, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, or tumors.

How is an endoscopy different from a colonoscopy?

Both procedures use a flexible scope with a camera, but they examine different parts of the digestive tract. An upper endoscopy examines the upper GI tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine), entered through the mouth. A colonoscopy examines the lower GI tract (colon and rectum), entered through the rectum. Both are performed under sedation.

Is sedation used for endoscopy?

Yes. Both upper endoscopy and colonoscopy are performed with sedation so that patients are comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. You will need a driver to take you home afterward, as sedation impairs your ability to drive for the remainder of the day.

When should you have an upper endoscopy or a capsule endoscopy?

Doctors will recommend an upper endoscopy when a patient is experiencing chronic heartburn, ongoing acid reflux, stomach pain, gastritis, digestive tract bleeding, chronic diarrhea, or chronic constipation.

A capsule endoscopy may be necessary when a doctor needs to examine the small intestine for bleeding, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, or tumors.

What can an upper & capsule endoscopy detect?

Upper endoscopies can detect the causes of stomach pain, swallowing difficulty, nausea, chronic pain, chronic diarrhea, or digestive tract bleeding. They can also detect ulcers, polyps, tumors, or signs of anemia, inflammation, or cancer.

Capsule endoscopies detect bleeding, ulcers, polyps, and tumors in the small intestine. They can also detect Crohn’s disease, liver problems, and other intestinal abnormalities.

How do you prepare for an endoscopy?

You should not eat or drink after midnight. On the morning of your procedure, you may take your regular medications with a sip of water, unless otherwise directed.