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Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Procedures

Upper GI Endoscopy in Chennai — Diagnostic Gastroscopy at THANC

Day-care procedure • Comfort sedation • Same-day discharge

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Medical gastroenterologist explaining upper GI endoscopy to a patient at THANC Hospital, Chennai
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This page provides an in-depth understanding of upper GI endoscopy, also known as gastroscopy or oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), as performed by our dedicated medical gastroenterology team at THANC Hospital. We detail the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of this procedure, explaining what it involves and what to expect. If you are experiencing symptoms such as persistent heartburn, indigestion, or difficulty swallowing, and are unsure whether an endoscopy is the right step for your condition, we recommend consulting our patient guides. These resources offer comprehensive information on common gastrointestinal issues like GERD & Acid Reflux and IBS Symptoms & Diagnosis, helping you understand your symptoms better before considering further investigation.

About Upper GI Endoscopy at THANC

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, medically termed esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a crucial procedure employed to visually examine the lining of your oesophagus, stomach, and the initial segment of your small intestine (duodenum). This diagnostic and therapeutic tool is often recommended for evaluating persistent symptoms indicative of upper gastrointestinal disease, including chronic or recurring heartburn, difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia or odynophagia), unexplained weight loss, persistent nausea or vomiting, anaemia of unknown origin, and chronic upper abdominal pain. Beyond visual inspection, an endoscopy allows for the collection of tissue samples (biopsies) for further analysis, which can confirm diagnoses such as malabsorption syndromes, infections, or neoplasms. The severity of conditions like erosive esophagitis, for instance, is often classified using systems such as the Los Angeles classification, which grades mucosal breaks based on their extent and continuity.

At THANC Hospital, our visiting medical gastroenterologists utilise advanced flexible endoscopy technology to perform this day-care procedure with precision. We prioritise your comfort, performing the endoscopy under light, conscious sedation to ensure a relaxed and generally painless experience. Our approach is clinician-led, ensuring that senior experts oversee every step of your care, from the pre-procedure consultation to post-procedure follow-up. We use the same procedure not only for detailed diagnosis but also for therapeutic interventions, such as removing polyps, dilating strictures, or managing active bleeding, all within a single session. Most patients are able to return home on the same day, with a clear understanding of their findings and next steps, supported by transparent written estimates of costs.

References

  1. 1. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) — NCBI Bookshelf
  2. 2. Optimal Management of Erosive Esophagitis: An Evidence-based and Pragmatic Approach — PubMed Central
  3. 3. Upper GI Endoscopy — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

What to Expect

A clear step-by-step view of your treatment journey at THANC.

  1. 1

    Pre-procedure Consultation and Preparation

    Your journey begins with a thorough consultation with our medical gastroenterologist to review your symptoms, medical history, and any existing medications. Essential preparation includes fasting for six to eight hours prior to the procedure to ensure a clear view of your upper digestive tract and minimise aspiration risk. We will also discuss adjusting blood thinners or diabetic medications as needed, and a brief anaesthesia review will be conducted to plan for safe and effective sedation.

  2. 2

    Sedation and Procedure

    Upon arrival, you will receive light conscious sedation intravenously to help you relax and remain comfortable throughout the examination. A local anaesthetic spray may also be applied to your throat to minimise gag reflex. Our specialist will then gently guide a thin, flexible endoscope, equipped with a camera, through your mouth, oesophagus, stomach, and into the duodenum. Air may be gently introduced to distend the organs, allowing for a comprehensive visual inspection of the mucosal lining.

  3. 3

    Post-procedure Observation and Discharge

    Following the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery area where our nursing team will monitor you closely for one to two hours as the effects of the sedation wear off. Common mild sensations include a sore throat, bloating, or cramping, which typically subside quickly. Once stable and fully awake, and after receiving detailed post-procedure instructions, most patients are discharged on the same day, provided they have an adult escort to take them home.

  4. 4

    Follow-up and Results

    You will be advised to maintain a light diet on the day of the procedure and can usually resume your normal diet the following day. If biopsies were taken, the results are typically available within five to seven working days, and our team will contact you to discuss the findings and any necessary next steps. For therapeutic procedures, a short review visit may be scheduled to assess your recovery and the success of the intervention.

Why Choose THANC Hospital for Your Upper GI Endoscopy?

At THANC Hospital, we understand that undergoing an endoscopy can be a concern. Our dedicated team, led by senior medical gastroenterologists, ensures a patient-centric experience with a focus on safety, accuracy, and comfort. We are committed to providing deeply researched, evidence-based care, utilising the latest endoscopic techniques for both diagnosis and treatment. Our transparent approach means you receive clear information and cost estimates, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health.

  • Senior medical gastroenterologists provide expert, hands-on care.
  • Comfort sedation ensures a relaxed and generally painless procedure.
  • Day-care procedure allows for convenient same-day discharge.
  • Precise diagnosis and therapeutic interventions in one session.
  • Transparent written estimates, consistently lower Chennai market rates.
  • Modern flexible endoscopes for high-definition internal visualisation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions can an upper GI endoscopy diagnose?
An upper GI endoscopy is highly effective in diagnosing a range of conditions affecting the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This includes identifying the causes of persistent heartburn or acid reflux (GERD), detecting ulcers, inflammation (like esophagitis or gastritis), and diagnosing conditions such as coeliac disease or Crohn's disease. It is also crucial for investigating unexplained weight loss, anaemia, or chronic abdominal pain, and for screening and surveillance of conditions like Barrett's oesophagus or certain polyposis syndromes.
Will I experience pain during the upper GI endoscopy procedure?
At THANC Hospital, we perform upper GI endoscopy under conscious sedation, which means you will be deeply relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. While you may be aware of some activity, most patients experience little to no discomfort and often have no memory of the examination afterwards. A local anaesthetic spray may also be used to numb your throat, further minimising any potential gag reflex or soreness during the insertion of the endoscope. Our priority is to ensure your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
How long does an upper GI endoscopy typically take to complete?
The actual upper GI endoscopy procedure is generally quite brief. Typically, the visual examination of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum, along with any diagnostic biopsies, is completed within 10 to 15 minutes. If therapeutic interventions, such as polyp removal, stricture dilation, or controlling bleeding, are required, the procedure may extend slightly longer, but it rarely exceeds 30 minutes. You should, however, plan for approximately two to three hours for the entire visit, including preparation and recovery time.
What are the potential risks or complications associated with an upper GI endoscopy?
Upper GI endoscopy is considered a very safe procedure, with serious complications being rare. Potential risks, though infrequent, can include a reaction to the sedative medication, minor bleeding (especially if biopsies are taken or polyps removed), or, in extremely rare cases, a perforation (a small tear) in the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, or duodenum. Infections are also very uncommon due to stringent sterilisation protocols. Our team will discuss these potential risks with you in detail during your pre-procedure consultation.
What should I expect during the recovery period after the procedure?
After your upper GI endoscopy, you will spend an hour or two in our recovery area while the sedation wears off. It's common to experience some mild throat soreness, bloating, or gas due to the air introduced during the procedure, but these symptoms typically resolve within a few hours to a day. You may feel drowsy and your judgment might be impaired for the rest of the day, so it is crucial to have someone drive you home and avoid important decisions.
When can I resume normal activities, including driving and eating, after the endoscopy?
You should not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after an upper GI endoscopy, especially if you received sedation, as your reaction times and judgment will be affected. We recommend resting for the remainder of the day. You can typically start with clear liquids and gradually reintroduce soft, easy-to-digest foods a few hours after the procedure, returning to your normal diet the next day. Strenuous activities should be avoided for 24 hours.
How quickly will I receive the results of any biopsies taken during the endoscopy?
If tissue biopsies were collected during your upper GI endoscopy, these samples are sent to a specialised pathology laboratory for detailed analysis. The results are typically available within five to seven working days. Our team will contact you as soon as your results are ready to schedule a follow-up discussion with your medical gastroenterologist. This ensures that any necessary treatment plans can be initiated promptly based on the pathology findings.
When should I contact THANC Hospital after my upper GI endoscopy?
While most patients recover smoothly, it is important to contact THANC Hospital immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms after your endoscopy. These include severe or persistent abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing that worsens, persistent nausea or vomiting, a fever, chest pain, or any signs of bleeding such as black, tarry stools or vomiting blood. Our medical team is available to provide guidance and care should any unexpected issues arise.

Medically reviewed by Dr. B. Harriprasad on 12 April 2026

MBBS, MD (Gen Med), DM (Medical Gastroenterology)

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Upper GI Endoscopy at THANC

  • Senior medical gastroenterologists provide expert, hands-on care.
  • Comfort sedation ensures a relaxed and generally painless procedure.
  • Day-care procedure allows for convenient same-day discharge.
  • Precise diagnosis and therapeutic interventions in one session.
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