Endoscopy is the procedure which involves examination of the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract by your doctor. The upper part includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
During this procedure, your doctor will use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope which has its own lens and a light source.
It is also known as upper endoscopy or esophago gastro duodenoscopy (EGD) or panendoscopy.
Why Is Endoscopy Done?
It is done to evaluate the symptoms and find the cause for persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or difficulty in swallowing.
To find out the cause of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
It is more accurate to detect any inflammation, tumour or ulcers of esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
Your doctor might use upper endoscopy to collect the tissue sample (biopsy).
Your doctor may pass instruments through the endoscope to treat most of the abnormalities.
Preparation For The Procedure:
An empty stomach is the most suitable for this procedure. Your doctor will advise you to not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the examination.
Most of your medications can be continued as usual but your doctor needs to be informed about them as they may interfere with the examination.
What Happens During Endoscopy?
You will be asked to lie on your left side and an intravenous sedation is used.
Once the sedation takes effect, your doctor passes a lightened flexible endoscope into your mouth.
A tiny camera at the tip of the endoscope will transmit images to monitor for your doctor to examine.
Your doctor may also use instruments to take the biopsy.
In the end, the endoscope is slowly withdrawn. This procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
What Happens After The Procedure?
After the procedure, you will spend some time resting while the sedation wears off slowly.
Some patients may experience symptoms of bloating, cramps or a sore throat. These are mostly mild and usually improve with time.
If the symptoms persist please contact your doctor immediately.
Bleeding may be noticeable at the site of biopsy or where any polyp has been removed.
Perforation (a hole or tear may happen in the gastrointestinal tract)
If you have any trouble swallowing, pain in throat, chest or abdominal pain after the procedure contact your doctor immediately.