This exam ist usually performed by a gastroenterologist, a specialist for the management of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. After explaining the procedure, the endoscopist will spray the back of the throat with a local anaesthetic. When sedation is used, it is not a full anaesthetic and the patient will still be conscious and aware. A nurse will lie the patient on their left side and the endoscopist will then gently place the end of the instrument into the mouth and ask the patient to swallow it, which feels like swallowing a large piece of food.
The endoscopist may need to put some air into the stomach to perform the examination effectively and this can cause discomfort or even a need to belch. This is perfectly normal. The endoscopist will closely examine the lining of the gullet, stomach and duodenum to identify the cause of the symptoms. If the doctor notices any abnormalities in the stomach during the procedure he or she may take a sample by using specialized equipment through the channels of the endoscope. These specimens are then sent to a pathologist, who will examine the specimen carefully for signs of inflammation, cancer or other signs of disease.