Things That Good Endoscopist should Tell You About Endoscopy of Digestive Tract

Posted by Dr. Vikas Singla on January 23rd, 2020

Endoscopy is a procedure that is used to view and examine the internal organs and vessels of the body. It is performed on body parts like ears, nose, heart, throat, urinary tracts, stomach and joints. To perform endoscopy, endoscopes are used. Endoscopes are the flexible tubes that have a camera attached on them. This camera provides a clear image of the internal organs. Endoscopes are inserted in the body through mouth, rectum or small incision, depending on the body part to be diagnosed.

Endoscopy of Digestive Tract

For endoscopy of digestive tract, endoscope is inserted into digestive tract through mouth or through rectum. It can be sectioned into upper endoscopy and colonoscopy.

1. Upper Endoscopy
   
   Upper Endoscopy is done to diagnose the problems in esophagus, stomach and the upper part of intestine. In this procedure endoscope passes through mouth and throat.
   
   
2. Colonoscopy
   
   Colonoscopy is done to examine the large intestine. In this procedure endoscope is inserted into large intestine through rectum.
   
   There are two special forms of endoscopy. First one is called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP). With ERCP examination of pancreas and gallbladder is conducted. It is largely used for stunt placement or biopsies. Second one is endoscopic ultrasound. In this form of endoscopy, examination of digestive tract is done through the combined use of upper endoscopy and ultrasound.

Preparing for Endoscopy of Digestive tract

Upper endoscopy

• Endoscopist asks the patients about the medications they are taking, allergies (if any), and the medical history.
• Patients are asked to stay off food and drinks for 8-10 hours before the procedure.
• Patients are also made to stay off aspirin and sucralfate.
• Patients who underwent cardiac valve replacement or blood vessel graft are given antibiotics to prevent infection.

Colonoscopy

• Colonoscopy requires rectum and colon to be clear of faecal matter.
• Patients are asked not to consume fibrous food and food with seeds for 5-6 days prior to colonoscopy.
• Their intake of liquids like water, tea, fruit juices and clear broth is increased.
• Patients are made to consume laxatives 12-15 hours prior to the test. They have to drink 4 litres of special cleansing solution to clear the colon.
• The doctor examines the rectum for any kind of abnormal growth and bleeding from lower intestine.

Risks involved

A Good endoscopist in Gangaram Hospital or any other prominent medical facility will explain all the possible risks involved in endoscopy. Here are some risks that endoscopist will inform about:

Upper Endoscopy

• Bleeding or puncture of oesophagus or stomach walls
• Irregular heartbeat
• People with lung disease might suffer a decrease in rate of breathing
• Reaction to sedatives

Colonoscopy

• Slight pain in the rectum and in the colon
• Dehydration due to intake of laxatives
• Bleeding or infection in bowel
• Bloating
• Cardiac arrhythmia

Endoscopy of digestive tract is a critical procedure. To make sure that results are correct, people should get it done from a good endoscopist, like those working with Gangaram Hospital, or any other renowned medical facility.