Skip to main content
310-657-5244 Book Online

Upper GI Endoscopy

LA Digestive Health and Wellness Marc David Makhani, MD Our Services Upper GI Endoscopy
Marc David Makhani, MD - - Gastroenterologist

LA Digestive Health and Wellness

Marc David Makhani, MD

Gastroenterologist located in Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers, Los Angeles, CA

Patients from throughout Los Angeles can seek treatment from Dr. Makhani at LA Digestive Health and Wellness, for gastrointestinal disorders. He will use the most modern endoscopic techniques and devices to accurately diagnose and treat conditions from his office at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers in Beverly Hills, CA.

Upper GI Endoscopy Q & A

What is upper GI endoscopy?

Upper GI endoscopy is a procedure where an endoscope, or a long flexible tube with a camera on the end, is fed through a patient’s esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The doctor is able to see the lining of the upper GI with this procedure, which assists in diagnosing some gastrointestinal disorders. If necessary, biopsies can be taken during this procedure. This procedure is often ordered when patients present symptoms like chronic heartburn, nausea, and vomiting, issues with swallowing, pain, and unexplained weight loss. Some of the conditions that can be diagnosed with this procedure include:

  • Anemia
  • Cancer or precancerous abnormalities
  • Celiac disease
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Inflammation
  • Ulcers

What happens during the procedure?

Before the procedure is carried out, the patient will be advised not to eat or drink for approximately eight hours to ensure that the doctor will be able to see the tract clearly. The procedure is usually performed at a hospital or outpatient center. The patient will receive a sedative via an IV to help him or her stay relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. A local anesthetic will be applied to the throat to calm the gag reflex and allow the slim tube to pass more easily through the esophagus. The patient will lie on his or her side on an exam table while the procedure takes place. The procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes and allows the doctor to see any damage or abnormality in the upper GI tract. Many patients fall asleep during the procedure and experience only minor discomfort in the throat for a day or so after the procedure is completed.

How should a patient prepare for the procedure?

The patient should discuss the procedure with the doctor in advance and make sure the doctor is aware of any allergies, all medications, and supplements being taken, any bleeding problems, heart problems, diabetes, pregnancy, or any previous treatments to the esophagus. The patient should not eat or drink for eight hours preceding the procedure and should arrange for someone to drive him or her home as the sedation may cause lasting grogginess.

What Happens After an Upper GI Endoscopy?

Patients are taken to the recovery area and monitored to make sure they are back to their baseline. They go home later that day with their transportation and follow up in the office for review of the results usually in 1-2 weeks. Patients are not allowed to drive themselves home after the procedure.