What Is an Endoscopy and When Should You Get One? An endoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of a hollow organ or cavity. Doctors can use it to diagnose and treat certain conditions, such as ulcers, cancers, and obstructions. Endoscopy requires a specially trained doctor and high-tech equipment. Endoscopy is performed in two ways: through the mouth or the rectum (the large intestine).
The best time to see a Lima endoscopy specialist is as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms of a condition that may require one. This article will discuss how the procedure works, what conditions it can help with, and how long it takes for recovery.
When Should You Get an Endoscopy?
Your doctor may perform an endoscopy if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Bleeding from your esophagus (this also includes vomiting blood)
- A change in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation that lasts for more than one week and has no connection to a specific food or activity
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Signs of perforation (hole) in your digestive tract
- A mass or lump anywhere in the digestive system
- Sudden, severe weight loss with no known cause
If you begin experiencing any of these signs and symptoms or they persist for more than one week, contact your doctor as soon as possible. If your doctor suspects that you have an obstruction in your gastrointestinal tract, they may recommend performing an endoscopy as quickly as possible.
How Does An Endoscopy Work?
Before examining the inside of a hollow organ or cavity, your doctor must insert equipment through another opening. For this procedure, your doctor will pass the endoscope through the mouth and into the esophagus. They will then slide the endoscope through the stomach and into the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). Once in place, a tiny camera on the end of the endoscope allows your doctor to see pictures from inside your body on a monitor. A light source built into the tip illuminates any tissue or cells that may be abnormal.
Your doctor can perform several different procedures during an endoscopy, such as:
- Taking tissue samples (biopsy) for microscopic study and testing
- Removing specific lesions or polyps if they appear cancerous or pre-cancerous
- Removing foreign objects that may block your digestive tract and cause pain and discomfort
- Checking the inside of your digestive tract for ulcers and lesions
- Use a wired instrument (bougie) to clear an obstruction in your stomach or small intestine
How Long Does An Endoscopy Take?
On average, an endoscopy usually takes about 30 minutes. The procedure itself only takes a few minutes, but it may take longer if your doctor has to perform additional operations.
The endoscope is usually passed into the digestive tract through the mouth while under anesthesia (a deep sleep). It allows your doctor to perform several different procedures without requiring repeated rounds of sedation.
To summarize, an endoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of a hollow organ or cavity. You may need an endoscopy if you bleed through your esophagus, have a change in bowel habits, or show signs of perforation in your digestive tract. During the procedure, your doctor will pass an endoscope through your mouth into the esophagus. The process lasts about 30 minutes, depending on the additional procedures you need.
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