Title : Endoscopy |
| Short Description : Medical Procedure |
Description :This procedure allows the doctor to view the esophagus, stomach and duodenum using a thin flexible tube inserted down your throat. This allows the doctor to determine the presence and cause of bleeding and test for any bacterial infection. A biopsy may also be conducted to exclude cancer
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Endoscopy is usually performed to evaluate possible problems with the esophagus, stomach or duodenum and evaluate symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, anemia, etc. It is more accurate than x-ray for detecting inflammation or small lesions such as ulcers or tumours within the reach of the instrument. The major advantage over x-ray is the ability to perform biopsies or cytology for microscopic examination to determine whether the lesion is benign or malignant (cancerous). Biopsies are taken for many reasons and may not mean that cancer is suspected
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Apart from diagnostic uses, Endoscopy can be used for treatment purposes as the endoscope's channels permit insertion of instruments to perform procedures such as stretching areas of narrowing (strictures) , removal of benign growths such as polyps, treating upper gastrointestinal bleeding as seen in ulcers or lining tears which, in the last two, has markedly reduced the need for transfusions or surgery
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| Procedure:This procedure requires the stomach to be empty. You should refrain from food and drinks at least 6-8 hours before the procedure. It is important that you inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, any allergies and all your health problems. This information will remind your doctor on what potential medications should not be used during the procedure because of your allergies, and what instructions to give you on withholding your current medications prior to the endoscopy. Knowledge whether you have any major health problems, such as heart or lung diseases, will alert the examiner of possible need for special attention during the procedure |
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Practices vary but you may have your throat sprayed with a numbing solution and will probably be given a sedating and pain alleviating medication through the vein. While lying on your left side, the flexible endoscope( the thickness of a finger) is passed through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This procedure will NOT interfere with your breathing. Most patients experience only minimal discomfort during the test and many sleep throughout the entire procedure
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| After the test you will be observed and monitored in a recovery area until a significant portion of the medication has worn off. Occasionally a patient is left with a mild sore throat, which is alleviated with a saline gargles, or a feeling of bloatedness. Both problems are mild and fleeting. Because of the use of sedation, it is advisable not to drive or handle machinery for the remainder of the day |
Risk:Endoscopy is a safe procedure and complications are extremely rare. Complications include irritation of the vein where the medication was administered, or bleeding at the site of a biopsy. Major complications such as perforation (punching a hole through the organ) are very rare and usually require surgical repair.
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