Service details
Procedure details and treatment flow
Esophagus-gastro-duodenoscopy (upper endoscopy)
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a highly specific and reliable endoscopic procedure that allows the physician to directly examine the interior of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
This examination includes a detailed visualization of the esophagus (the tube through which swallowing takes place), the entire stomach and the duodenum (the initial part of the small or duodenal intestine).
In our polyclinic in Kragujevac, this intervention is performed by an experienced doctor, a specialist in endoscopy, who is specially trained to work with an endoscope - a flexible instrument with a camera. Thanks to this technology, the doctor can detect inflammation, bleeding, ulcers, tumors and various other pathological changes on the mucous membrane with incredible precision.
More than diagnostics: It is important to know that upper endoscopy is not exclusively a diagnostic examination.
This is also very powerful therapeutic procedure. Through the endoscope, miniature instruments can be passed through which the doctor can immediately stop active bleeding, remove polyps, widen constrictions or remove a foreign body, which often saves the patient from classic surgical operations.
Reasons for upper endoscopy
The most common reasons for performing an upper endoscopy include the examination of unclear complaints, but also the monitoring of previously established diseases.
Symptoms that require examination:
- Unexplained and persistent discomfort, pain or burning in the upper abdomen
- GERD, i.e. gastroesophageal reflux (persistent heartburn and acid reflux)
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Suspected celiac disease (gluten intolerance)
- Difficulty swallowing (feeling that food or liquid is stuck in the esophagus)
Diagnostic and therapeutic needs:
- GI tract bleeding: Vomiting blood or black stools. Bleeding can be treated and stopped immediately.
- Abnormal findings: Checking for unclear changes seen on X-ray.
- Check for healing: Control of previously established polyps, tumors or ulcers on the stomach and duodenum.
- Emergencies: Safe removal of a swallowed object (foreign body).
Therapeutic possibilities during the procedure itself
In addition to the already mentioned stopping of bleeding and taking tissue samples (biopsies), endoscopy offers solutions for serious mechanical problems. If the patient has pronounced difficulties in swallowing due to narrowing of the esophagus (either due to acid scars or the presence of a tumor), this narrowing can be safely removed during the endoscopy itself. expand using special balloons or dilation tubes, making it easier for the patient to take food and liquids immediately.