When Your Child Needs an Upper Endoscopy

An upper endoscopy is a test that shows the inside of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The doctor can take tissue samples (biopsy), check for problems, or remove objects. The test normally takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

An endoscope gives the doctor an inside view of the upper GI tract.

Before the test

• Don’t give your child anything to eat or drink for at least 4 to 6 hours before the test, or as instructed by the medical staff. 

• Follow all other instructions given by the doctor.

During the test

An upper endoscopy is performed by a doctor in an office, testing center, or hospital. During the test you can expect the following:

• Your child lies on an exam table.

• Your child is given a pain reliever and a medicine that makes them relax or sleep (sedative). This is done through an IV line. Or your child is given medicine that makes them sleep (anesthesia) by facemask or IV. A trained nurse or anesthesiologist helps with this process and also monitors your child during the procedure. Special equipment is used to check your child’s heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels.

• Your child’s throat is numbed with a spray or gargle.

• A bite block is placed in your child’s mouth. This stops your child from biting down on the endoscope.

• The endoscope is guided down your child’s throat. This is a long, flexible tube with a light and a camera at the end. It doesn’t affect your child’s breathing.

• Air is put through the endoscope to expand your child’s stomach and upper GI tract. 

• Images of your child’s stomach and upper GI tract are viewed on a screen as the endoscope moves forward.

• The doctor may take tissue samples or perform procedures, as needed.

After the test

• Your child is taken to a recovery room. It may take 1 to 2 hours for the medicines to wear off.

• Unless told not to, your child can return to his or her normal routine and diet right away.

• The doctor may discuss early results with you after the test. You’re given complete results when they’re ready.

Helping your child prepare

You can help your child by preparing them in advance. How you do this depends on your child’s needs:

• Explain that the doctor is testing the upper GI tract. Use brief and simple terms to describe the test. Younger children have shorter attention spans, so do this shortly before the test. Older children can be given more time to understand the test in advance. 

• As best you can, describe how the test will feel. For children older than 12, an IV is put into the arm to give medicines. This may cause a brief sting. Your child won’t feel anything once the medicines take effect. Younger children are given anesthesia gas to relax before the IV is put in. This way, your child will not feel the needle stick.

• Allow your child to ask questions.

• Use play when helpful. This can involve role-playing with a child’s favorite toy or object. It may help older children to see pictures of what happens during the test.