Information for the public
Information about endoscopy
What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a procedure that is sometimes carried out to investigate indigestion symptoms and find out what is causing them. It involves using an endoscope (a narrow, flexible tube with a camera at its tip), to see inside the oesophagus and stomach. The person may be offered sedation before the procedure, and/or given a local anaesthetic to numb the throat. The endoscope is then guided down the person's throat and into their stomach.
If your doctor thinks an endoscopy would be helpful in your case, he or she should talk with you about what is involved.
If you need an endoscopy and you are taking NSAIDs, your doctor should ask you to stop taking the NSAIDs until after the procedure.