Endoscopic Procedure, Duodenum
An endoscopic procedure of the duodenum uses a flexible tube with a camera to look inside the first part of the small intestine. It helps doctors find the cause of symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or poor digestion.
["This procedure lets your care team see the duodenum directly and, if needed, take small samples for testing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111952-8
- Short code
- Endoscopic proc Duodenum Endscpy
- Synonyms
- Endoscopic proc Duodenum Endscpy
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- endoscopy
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Procedure?
An upper endoscopy passes a thin, flexible scope through your mouth and stomach into the duodenum. The scope has a light and camera, so your doctor can examine the lining of the duodenum and sometimes treat problems or collect tissue samples.
Why It May Be Done
Your doctor may recommend it to investigate ongoing stomach or upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, bleeding, or signs of poor nutrient absorption. It can also help evaluate abnormal imaging results or check on a known condition.
How to Prepare
You will usually be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the procedure. Tell your care team about all medicines you take, especially blood thinners, and about allergies and other health conditions. Arrangements for a ride home are often needed if you receive sedation.
What to Expect
The procedure is often done with sedation so you are comfortable. It usually takes a short time, and most people go home the same day. You may have a mild sore throat or feel bloated afterward. Your doctor will discuss findings and any follow-up, including biopsy results if samples were taken.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Endoscopy of the duodenum helps doctors directly examine the small intestine's first section for inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, celiac-related changes, tumors, or other abnormalities. It also allows tissue sampling to confirm a diagnosis. Results guide treatment and further testing, but the procedure should be interpreted alongside your symptoms, history, and other test results.
Frequently asked questions
Does the procedure hurt?
Will I be asleep?
When will I get the results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy