What To Think About

• An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is the best way to examine your esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (duodenum). Your doctor can take a tissue sample to test for Helicobacter pylori infection, which is believed to be the main cause of stomach or duodenal ulcers. For more information, see the topic Helicobacter Pylori Tests.
• Cancer can be identified or ruled out using endoscopy.
• Endoscopy may be done after an upper gastrointestinal series test identifies a problem. For more information, see the topic Upper Gastrointestinal Series.
• Endoscopy can be safely performed on small children.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) is a test of the ducts that drain the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. It can be done to find the cause of jaundice if your doctor thinks you may have blockage of the bile or pancreatic ducts and when other tests (such as ultrasound, liver scan, and X-ray studies) are not clear. For more information, see the topic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP).