Medical procedures are available to help physicians observe the digestive tract, offering a direct view that can lead to a better understanding of a person’s condition. One such procedure is an endoscopy, which allows for a detailed examination of the internal surfaces of the digestive system. This can be a useful step in gathering information about symptoms like persistent abdominal pain, swallowing difficulties, or unexplained bleeding.
What Is an Endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body. When used for digestive health, it typically refers to an upper endoscopy. This examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. The procedure involves using an endoscope, which is a long, thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and a high-resolution video camera at its tip.
The camera transmits images from inside the body, allowing a specialist to see the lining of the digestive tract in detail. This direct visualization provides a perspective that other imaging techniques might not offer. A physician can carefully navigate the endoscope to inspect the tissue for any irregularities. The endoscope also allows the specialist to take tissue samples, known as a biopsy, for further examination in a laboratory.
What Issues Can It Identify?
An endoscopy can help a physician identify the source of various gastrointestinal symptoms. The procedure can reveal inflammation in the esophagus or stomach. It can also identify ulcers, which are open sores on the lining of the stomach or duodenum. An endoscopy is a common method for investigating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. Other findings may include growths such as polyps and tumors. The ability to perform a biopsy during the procedure is useful, as it allows for the testing of tissue to determine if cells are benign, precancerous, or cancerous.
What Does the Process Entail?
Before an upper endoscopy, a patient will receive specific instructions to prepare. These instructions usually include fasting for several hours to make certain the stomach is empty, which provides a clear view for the physician. Patients will also need to discuss their medical history and any medications they are taking with their doctor.
On the day of the procedure, a sedative is typically administered to help the patient relax and remain comfortable. It may make the patient drowsy, and many people have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. The back of the throat may be sprayed with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort as the endoscope is inserted.
A patient lies on their side, and the specialist gently guides the endoscope through the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach and duodenum. The physician observes the lining of the digestive tract and may take biopsies if needed. After the procedure, the patient is monitored in a recovery area until the sedative’s effects begin to wear off.
Consult a Digestive System Specialist
Following an endoscopy, the specialist will often discuss the initial findings with the patient. If a biopsy was taken, the results may take several days to become available. This information provides a basis for a more complete discussion about the patient’s digestive health. You can ask about the meaning of the findings and what the next steps could involve.
