Endoscopy is procedure that allows
doctors to see inside your digestive tract without the use of
surgery. The tool used for the procedure is called an endoscope and
consists of a small camera and light attached to a flexible tube.
Utilizing this method allows doctors a
non-invasive method of looking for a number of ailments associated
with the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They can detect ulcers,
obstructions, inflammation, growths, and hernias.
If you experience abdominal pain,
reflux or vomiting, nausea, sudden weight loss, difficulty
swallowing, or bleeding in any area of the upper GI, your doctor
might choose to perform an endoscopy as an option to find the cause.
It can also be used to dislodge an item that is stuck, or to biopsy
tissue, in which case a small sample is removed for later testing.
If a medical professional suggests an
endoscopy for you, be sure to inform he or she of any medical
conditions you have, including medications and vitamins you take
regularly. It is especially important to inform them if you have
diabetes or are on blood thinners, which could affect the medications
you take during the endoscopy. As always, remember to check with your
primary physician before undergoing any medical treatment or taking
any particular remedy.
For the procedure, the back of the
throat is treated with a topical anesthesia. Sometimes an IV
containing sedatives is administered, to help you stay relaxed. The
doctor then feeds the endoscope down the throat and air is pumped
through the tube to inflate the organs so they can be seen.
Patients that have had an endoscopy can
experience a sore throat or nausea in reaction to the sedatives, but
after the anesthesia wears off, they are typically able to resume
normal activities.
To learn more about possible treatments
for digestive
problems or the benefits of endoscopy, visit Guadalupe
Regional Medical Center.
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