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GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy) Program

10/02/2568 12:16:49 | Views: 11,054

What is an Endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a test to look inside your digestive system. It will usually be done at an endoscopy unit in a hospital.

A gastrointestinal (GI) doctor (gastroenterologist) uses an endoscope. The scope is a narrow, long and flexible tube with a light and small video camera inside. The endoscope is passed into your body through a natural opening such as your mouth. There are different types of endoscopies that look at different parts of the body. The type of endoscopy you have will depend on your symptoms.

 

What is an upper endoscopy?

An upper endoscopy is a procedure to examine the upper part of the digestive tract. The procedure is also called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD.

Through the scope, your doctor can view the inside lining of your:

Esophagus:  The tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.

Stomach:  The organ that holds food and starts the digestion process.

Duodenum:  The upper part of your small intestine.

 

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an examination of the inside of your large intestine, which includes your colon, rectum and anus.

In a colonoscopy, the colonoscope passes through your anus and rectum into your colon. Along the way, it sends pictures of the inside of your large intestine to a screen.

 

When is an endoscopy required?

You may need an upper endoscopy if you have unexplained:

1. Abdominal pain.
2. Acid reflux.
3. Diarrhea.
4. Cramping.
5. Bloating.
6. Blood in the stool.
7. Bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
8. Nausea and vomiting.
9. Swallowing problems.
10. Weight loss.

An upper endoscopy allows for a direct view and biopsies. It can be more accurate than X-rays in diagnosing problems in the upper digestive system such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, Cancerous and noncancerous tumors, esophagitis, gastritis, duodenitis, peptic ulcers, celiac disease and Crohn's disease, etc. Your gastroenterologist can also do treatments with an endoscope to manage upper digestive tract bleeding, to stretch narrowed digestive tracts, and/or to remove polyps, tumors or swallowed objects.

 

When is a colonoscopy required?

A colonoscopy may be preventive, diagnostic or therapeutic and often, it's all of these. Your doctor may advise you to have a colonoscopy for routine cancer screening if you're at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.

You may be due for a colonoscopy for cancer screening if you:

1. Are older than 45 and haven't had one.
2. Haven't had one for 10 years.
3. Had tissue removed during your last colonoscopy.
4. Have a family history of colorectal cancer.
5. Have an inherited disease that raises your risk, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome.
6. Have inflammatory bowel disease.

Screening is the best way because of anyone can have colorectal cancer at any time without warning or symptoms. While screening, your gastroenterologist may also remove suspicious tissues for biopsy and prevention.

A colonoscopy provides a better view of large intestine than other types of imaging tests that don't go inside your body. Your gastroenterologist might need this better view to figure out what's causing your symptoms or confirm their suspicions.

Symptoms that might require a colonoscopy include:

1. Unexplained rectal bleeding or discharge.
2. Unexplained changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or incontinence. 
3. Unexplained persistent abdominal pain. 
4. Unexplained weight loss or lack of weight gain in children.

Diseases or conditions that a colonoscopy might help diagnose include:

1. Chronic colitis, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
2. Intestinal ischemia and ischemic colitis.
3. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
4. Ulcers and perforations.
5. Large bowel obstructions.
6. Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer.

 

What other procedures use endoscopy?

Your doctor may combine an endoscopy with:

1. X-rays: In endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), doctors combine the two tools with injected dye. ERCP helps diagnose and treat problems that affect the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts.
2. Ultrasound: An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) creates images of the digestive tract. EUS can also show surrounding organs, lymph nodes and tissue.

How to prepare yourself for endoscopy?

To help your doctor clearly view the digestive tract, you should go into the procedure with an empty stomach. Your doctor will review preparation with you. You may need to prepare with:

1. Food and drink: Consume only clear liquids (broth, gelatin, popsicles, water, black coffee or tea) for six to eight hours before the procedure.
2. Medications: Stop taking medicines that thin blood or affect blood clotting, including aspirin. You may need to switch medications for diabetes or high blood pressure. Follow your doctor's recommendation.

What should I expect after an upper endoscopy?

An endoscopy is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. The procedure may be uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be painful. You'll receive an intravenous sedative or another form of anesthesia. Someone should drive you home after the procedure.

You'll spend some time recovering while the sedative wears off before going home. An upper endoscopy can irritate your throat. You may be hoarse or have a cough for a few days. You can eat soft foods, drink ice water and use throat lozenges until the soreness subsides.

After the procedure, you may experience some bloating (a swollen feeling from the pumped-in air) and nausea (an anesthesia side effect). With your doctor's approval, you should be able to resume your usual activities, including working and driving, the next day.

What are the potential risks or complications of an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a relatively low-risk procedure. Potential complications include:

1. Allergic reactions to the sedative.
2. Digestive tract bleeding or infection.
3. Tear (perforation) in the digestive tract lining.

When should I get my test results?

Your doctor may share diagnostic findings with you immediately. It can take one to two weeks to get biopsy results.

When To Call the Doctor?

You should call your doctor if you experience:

1. Chronic cough or coughing up or vomiting blood.
2. Difficulty swallowing.
3. Fever and chills.
4. Rectal bleeding (black, tarry stool).

Severe throat pain, chest pain or abdominal pain.

 

 

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