Understanding the Procedure of Upper Endoscopy

 

Upper endoscopy is a method where your doctor makes use of an extremely thin and flexible tube, called an endoscope for examining your upper digestive tract. It includes the esophagus, stomach, as well as the first section that is located in the small intestinal tract referred to as the duodenum. The endoscope is equipped with a tiny camera with a light source at its tip, allowing your doctor to observe the area, determine, and occasionally treat the issue within the upper region of your digestive (GI) tract. Other terms for upper endoscopy are GI endoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), or pan endoscopy

 

WHEN IS UPPER ENDOSCOPY NEEDED?

• Your physician may suggest an endoscopy procedure due to various reasons, such as
• To determine the source of bleeding in the upper part of the digestive tract.
• To determine the cause of abdominal nausea, pain, heartburn vomiting, or trouble swallowing.
• To identify ulcers, inflammation, or tumors, as well as other abnormalities within the upper digestive tract because an endoscopy can provide more precise results than an X-ray. This makes physicians more likely to zero on problems such as these
• A small sample from the tissue to be examined (an is also known in the field of endoscopic biopsies). A biopsy can help your doctor determine whether the tissue sample is malignant or benign. While most biopsy tests are done to find cancer, your physician may take a biopsy in order to check for Helicobacter Pylori, the bacteria that causes ulcers.
• A cytology test is which is a procedure in which the doctor uses a tiny brush to collect cells to analyze.
• For treating issues of the upper digestive tract. The doctor may pass instruments through the endoscope in order to treat any abnormality like expanding an esophagus with a narrowing removal of polyps and burning a blood vessel to stop the bleeding. The procedures are not painful or cause no discomfort.

 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR UPPER ENDOSCOPY?

You'll be instructed to be on an empty stomach. This means you must not consume food or drink for at least 6 hours prior to your procedure or in accordance with the instructions of your physician. A stomach empty allows the doctor a complete view of your GI tract. Food particles could interfere with your doctor's examination and conceal any health issues that might be present. Fasting can also stop aspiration and collapse during your exam.

If you're taking medication be sure to inform your doctor about the medications in advance. It may be necessary to discontinue them or alter your dosage. Certain medications may require special guidelines, such as aspirin-based products blood thinners (i.e. warfarin or Heparin) and arthritis medication such as insulin, as well as iron products. It is also essential to inform your doctor if you suffer from heart or lung diseases, or any allergies to medication.

 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING UPPER ENDOSCOPY?

The process begins with your doctor spraying the throat with a local anesthetic. In addition, you'll receive sedative medicine to help you relax. Then, you will be asked to lie down on a table by your back. When the procedure is in progress the doctor will place the endoscope into your mouth, and then through your stomach, esophagus, and duodenum. It is normal to feel discomfort however, it should not affect your breathing. In the majority of cases, patients sleep throughout the procedure.

 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER UPPER ENDOSCOPY?

The patient will be observed for an hour after the procedure to ensure that the results of sedatives are gone. There is a possibility of experiencing constipation or bloating as a result of the inhalation of air to your abdomen during the exam. Your throat could be a bit sore as well.

When you leave the clinic your doctor will go over the results from the examination with you. If a biopsy was taken and you are required to wait for the results, which typically will take several days. It is important to get someone else who can drive you home, and also accompany the patient if given a sedative. The effects that come with the medication could affect your reflexes and judgment throughout the day, even if you feel awake after the procedure.

 

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS POST-UPPER ENDOSCOPY?

In general, upper endoscopy is an extremely safe test. If performed by highly trained and experienced physicians, complications from GI endoscopy as well as polypectomy are very rare. Although there may be bleeding within the region in which the tissue sample was taken or where the polyps were removed the bleeding is usually small and will disappear in its own time. Be aware, however, that the bleeding could happen several days following the procedure.

There are also reactions to sedatives or complications caused by existing lung or heart disorders. Although complications following endoscopy are uncommon It is important to identify early indications of potential complications, including extreme stomach pains, fever, chills, difficulty swallowing, an increase in the throat size, or bleeding (i.e. black stool). If you observe any of these symptoms you should consult your physician immediately.

 

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Essam Quraishi by:

·               Visit our website https://giandliverconsultants.com/ and schedule your appointment.

·               Direct email us on: info@gilc-oc.com

 

·               Dial this number (657) 900-4536 and book an appointment.

·               Follow the address and Visit us: 1400 Reynolds Ave. Suite 100

Irvine, CA 92614