Reasons Why Endoscopy is Prescribed by Doctors

Posted by Dr. Vikas Singla on January 30th, 2020

An endoscopy is a medical procedure that is used to visually investigate the upper digestive system by using a small camera on the ending point of a flexible long tube. A specialised doctor of the digestive system or gastroenterologist performs this procedure to diagnose and cure conditions that may affect the stomach, esophagus, and the opening of the small intestine (duodenum). In medical terms, the upper endoscopy is called esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Reasons why endoscopy is done

The doctor may prescribe an endoscopy process to patients for the following reasons.

Detect signs and symptoms

The endoscopy procedure aids doctors to find out the causes of signs and symptoms of digestive issues including abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, gastrointestinal bleeding, and difficulty swallowing.

Diagnose

The doctor may use this procedure to accumulate tissue samples (biopsy) to check them for certain conditions and diseases, such as inflammation, bleeding, diarrhoea, anaemia or cancer in the digestive tract.

Treatment

The gastroenterologist can run some special tools via the endoscope to cure issues in the digestive system including clipping off a polyp, eradicating a strange object, and widening a narrow esophagus.

Often, the endoscopy procedure is united with other processes like an ultrasound where an ultrasound probe is connected to the endoscope to take specific pictures of the stomach or esophagus. The process of endoscopic ultrasound may also aid the specialist to capture pictures of difficult-to-access internal organs, including the pancreas. Latest or advanced endoscopes apply HD camera or video to give clearer images.

Conditions in which endoscopy is prescribed?

• Digestive tract bleeding
• Stomach pain
• Gastritis, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing
• Growths or polyps in the colon
• Diarrhoea or chronic constipation

How to prepare?

You have to keep fast for 8 to 12 hours before the endoscopy to ensure that the stomach is empty and ready for the procedure. You also need to speak to your doctor about any supplements or medicines you are using before the process. In case a person is taking some specific blood-thinning medicines, the doctor may suggest them to stop taking them before the procedure. Blood thinners may boost the chances of bleeding in case certain methods are used during the endoscopy. Also, people who have chronic conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes, the doctor may give them some particular instructions related to the medications.

Risks involved with the procedure

Endoscopy is a comparatively secure process, but there may be some certain risks involved. These risks include:

• Mild cramping
• Over-sedation
• Feeling bloated for some time after the endoscopy
• Complications related to preceding health conditions
• A numb and dull throat for a few hours because of the application of a local anaesthetic
• Continual pain in endoscopy part
• Internal bleeding, normally minor and often curable by endoscopic operation

Most people going through endoscopy will be given a sedative for making them relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. The reaction time and memory may be diminished but they may feel mentally wakeful. It will take around 24 hours for the depressant to wear off. If you are prescribed for this procedure, make sure to choose the best Endoscopist in Delhi.