Where To Learn More About Endoscopy

To confirm a diagnosis of celiac disease, doctors perform blood tests and a biopsy of the small intestine. The concept of a blood test is easy to understand, but many of us may be scared by the prospect of a biopsy. I’ve had it done twice now, and both times it was painless and easy.

The biopsy involves microscopic analysis of a piece of tissue taken from the small intestine. This tissue sample is obtained during a procedure called an upper gastrointestinal (or, upper GI) endoscopy. Many doctors and hospitals have special brochures you can read before the procedure, to learn more about what to expect. In case your doctor didn’t give you anything to read in advance, here are links to several organizations that provide explanations of upper GI endoscopy for patients.

Explanation For Kids
North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Explanations for Adults
The American American Gastroenterological Association
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
UK National Library for Health
Patient UK

Update, March 4, 2009: Here on About.com, you can now read What to Expect from an Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.