Ever think it might be nice to just look inside and see what’s causing those mysterious symptoms and stomach issues? Turns out you (or at least your doctor) can, with a procedure called an upper GI endoscopy. Dr. John Mayer of the Mayer Clinic in Fairbanks, AK, offers upper GI endoscopy amongst his areas of surgical expertise. He and his wife, Dr. Natalie Mayer, have been offering comprehensive medical care in Alaska since 1992, and they've been serving the Fairbanks community from the Mayer Clinic since 2006. In line with their commitment of offering nurturing, clear care, they’ve put together this guide to the basics of upper GI endoscopy.

Why would you have one? An upper GI endoscopy has a wide range of applications, including both diagnosis and treatment. It’s often used to uncover explanations for symptoms of stomach issues, such as persistent heartburn, pain, unexplained weight loss, nausea, or bleeding. Your doctor may also recommend an upper GI endoscopy after an abnormal lab test, or to obtain a biopsy for diagnosing conditions such as cancer, celiac disease, and gastritis. In addition to its diagnostic applications, an upper GI endoscopy can be used for the treatment of various conditions, including bleeding ulcers or objects stuck in the upper GI tract.

What should you expect? The actual procedure will last around five to 20 minutes, but you'll want to allow around two hours total for check-in, follow-up, and discharge. You’ll usually receive light sedation, so you’ll need to have someone drive you home after the procedure. After your doctor finishes looking at the interior lining of your esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine with an endoscope, you’ll spend around 30 minutes in the recovery room before going home. You should plan on resting for the rest of the day, as you may experience bloating and nausea for a short time following the procedure.

If you’re experiencing stomach issues or have been advised to seek an upper GI endoscopy, turn to the trusted team at the Mayer Clinic for expert care in a comfortable, caring environment. Call (907) 457-5050 to schedule an appointment today, or visit their website to learn more.