Go to a printable page!
| Upper and Lower Endoscopy | |
|
What is endoscopy? Endoscopy is a procedure where a doctor uses an instrument called an endoscope to look for, and sometimes treat, problems inside the body. The endoscope is a very thin, flexible tube equipped with a strong miniature light, a lens and a tiny video camera. The doctor then views the problem on a video monitor. What is an upper endoscopy? The procedure called upper endoscopy is used on the upper gastrointestinal tract (upper GI). The esophagus, the stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) make up this area of the body. This surgery is sometimes called esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or panendoscopy. In an upper endoscopy, the patient is given a relaxing medication to help in swallowing the endoscope tube. This tube is thinner than most foods, and the medication keeps the patient from gagging. A small amount of air is inserted into the GI tract to expand the area so the doctor can see better. When is this procedure recommended? Some common symptoms that might indicate the need for an upper endoscopy are persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. It is an excellent test for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. The endoscope can be used to help diagnose ulcers, gastritis, growths, causes of bleeding, and cancer. It's more accurate than X-ray films for detecting inflammation, ulcers and tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. It also may be used to detect the presence of certain harmful bacteria (H. pylori). Additionally, it can also be used to take tissue samples (biopsy), remove foreign objects or small growths, stop bleeding, and open narrowed areas. What are the risks of an upper endoscopy? An upper endoscopy is a very safe procedure. Sometimes minimal bleeding can occur at a biopsy site or where a polyp was removed, An unusual risk is a possible tearing in the upper gastrointestinal tract lining. What is a lower endoscopy? A lower endoscopy is a procedure used on the lower gastrointestinal tract (lower GI). This consists of the colon, rectum, and sigmoid colon. In a lower endoscopy, the endoscope is inserted into the rectum. A relaxing medication may be given to the patient to relieve any discomfort. When is this procedure recommended? Some common symptoms that might indicate the need for a lower endoscopy are chronic, unexplained diarrhea, unusual rectal bleeding, persistent pain in the lower stomach area, or factors such as family history that might make a patient at risk for colon or rectal cancer. The endoscope can be used to help diagnose inflammation of the colon (colitis) or remove any growths (polyps) from the walls of the digestive tract. Additionally, it can also be used to take tissue samples (biopsy), look for causes of bleeding and signs of rectal cancer. What are the risks of a lower endoscopy? An upper lower is a very safe procedure. Sometimes minimal bleeding can occur at a biopsy site or where a polyp was removed, An unusual risk is a possible tearing in the lower gastrointestinal tract lining. |
|