Upper Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a broad term that refers to visualizing the inside of the body by inserting a thin, long, and flexible tube with a camera and light attached at the end. You will mostly hear the word endoscopy when your doctor wants to visualize your digestive tract, i.e., your esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). The images or videos are seen on a video monitor during the procedure.
Endoscopies are very useful for diagnosing, treating, and managing various conditions associated with the gut. For diagnostic purposes, endoscopy can be used to detect or confirm the presence of inflammation, ulcers, tumors, and other anomalies associated with the digestive tract. Endoscopy is also frequently used to take biopsies or samples of various tissues for further lab testing. A biopsy is mostly used to assess the nature of a tumor, i.e., if is it cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
Endoscopies are also used to treat certain issues like removing polyps or benign tumors. The procedure is performed by a gastroenterologist – a doctor who specializes in the medicine of the digestive tract and related organs. It is mostly carried out in a hospital, outpatient setting, or a clinic equipped with the necessary equipment.
How Should I Prepare for My Endoscopy?
The most important preparation that you should be mindful of is to keep an empty stomach (digestive tract). You will be advised by your doctor to not eat any solid foods past midnight the day before your exam. Also, you should make sure you don’t drink anything 6-8 hours before your exam (sips of water is an exception).
You should also make sure to tell your doctor about your past medical or surgical history along with any prescription medications you are taking. Drugs like blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, and heparin) should be discontinued a week before the procedure or as indicated by your doctor. If you had surgery in the past and had an adverse effect from anesthesia, you should inform your doctor right away.
What Happens During an Endoscopy?
After you change into a hospital gown, you will be given an anesthetic and a sedative that will prevent any discomfort during the procedure. The drugs given don’t usually make you unconscious, however, you might feel drowsy and forget what is happening.
Once you’re relaxed and lying on your side, your doctor will carefully pass the endoscope through your mouth into the esophagus (food tube), stomach, and intestines. You should not worry about breathing difficulties as the endoscope doesn’t interfere with your breathing.
In case the endoscopy is being done to take a biopsy, your doctor will guide the endoscope to the site of interest and take the sample.
What to Expect After an Endoscopy
After the procedure is done, you’ll be monitored for a few hours to ensure that you don’t have any unusual or dangerous side effects. After that, you’ll be able to leave the clinic and can eat or drink as you wish. You might feel drowsy or nauseous after the procedure, so you must bring someone with you who can drive you home. Occasionally, people feel mild pain, burning, or bloated after an endoscopy. These symptoms usually wear off about 24 hours after the endoscopy.
Complications Associated With Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a safe procedure, however, it may cause some complications. Usually, complications occur during the removal of a tumor/polyp or while taking biopsies, because the tissue is cut. Some of the complications include hemorrhage or bleeding, scarring of the gut lining, and perforation in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
The drugs given during the procedure can cause side effects like hallucinations, tremors, or seizures. You should know that these complications are quite rare and nonetheless manageable. If you do have severe pain, bleeding, or any persistent discomfort, call your doctor immediately.
If you or anyone you know needs to get a safely performed endoscopy by an experienced gastroenterologist, call us today (718) 291-0488, or book your appointment to get the best service in the Jamaica Plains area.
