The gastrointestinal tract is a critical part of your health. According to health research, about 75% of your health comes from the stomach. It enhances food transportation from your mouth through the stomach to the rectum. It also allows food absorption into your body. Any problem with the gastrointestinal tract affects your health in various ways and may lead to issues such as abdominal pain. The endoscopy Houston specialist Vikram S. Jayanty M.D. offers comprehensive diagnosis to identify your problem and provide treatment. This post explains more about endoscopy.
What is endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a treatment procedure to examine your digestive tract. Your provider may also use it for treatment. Your provider uses an endoscope to view your digestive tract on a monitor.
Upper endoscope involves your provider passing the endoscope through the mouth and throat to the stomach and the small intestines. It helps view various GI tract organs and analyze their health.
The endoscope may also pass through the rectum into the large intestine to examine that part. This type of endoscopy is known as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
Your provider may also use a special type of endoscopy which takes pictures of the pancreas, gallbladder, and other tissues. They also use it for biopsies and stent placements. They use endoscopic ultrasound to get images and information about digestive tract parts.
When might you need an endoscopy?
Your provider recommends an endoscopy to examine your digestive tract or as a form of treatment. Dr. Jayanty may recommend an endoscopy to assess your stomach pain, gastritis, ulcers, digestive tract bleeding, or colon growth. Your provider may also suggest an endoscopy to evaluate changes in your bowel habits.
Your provider may also use endoscopy to treat digestive tract problems, such as colon polyps or bleeding. The endoscope help with the passing of the instruments into your digestive tract.
Does endoscopy have side effects?
Generally, endoscopy is safe. However, it may risk complications, such as bleeding, infections, perforation, pancreatitis, or reaction to sedation. Your provider advises seeking immediate medical care when you notice the above issues.
You may also encounter bloating, sore throat, cramping, or pain after the endoscopy procedure. These symptoms are not severe and improve with time.
How to prepare for endoscopy?
Dr. Jayanty usually performs endoscopy as an outpatient procedure. It usually takes about 30 to 120 minutes, depending on the type of procedure.
Your provider advises not eating anything six to eight hours before the procedure. They may give you a laxative to clear your bowel in case of a colonoscopy. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before the endoscopy to lower your chance of infection.
Dr. Jayanty provides a sedative to enhance your comfort during the procedure. You then lie on your back or side as your provider passes the endoscope through your mouth. Your provider views the digestive tract on the monitor as the endoscope passes through.
Your provider uses endoscopy for diagnosis of digestive tract issues, taking of biopsies, and treatment. Contact Vikram S Jayanty, MD, to schedule your consultation and learn how you can benefit from endoscopy.
