Gastrointestinal endoscopy

Gastrointestinal endoscopy

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses an endoscope, a flexible tube that can be bent and maneuvered, with a diameter of approximately 1 cm and a length of 100 cm. The endoscope has a lens at the tip that magnifies the image, and on the other end, it is connected to a light source, which transmits the image to a monitor. This procedure is recommended for individuals who experience difficulty swallowing, have a sensation of something sticking in their throat or chest, experience pain when swallowing, vomit blood or black stools, vomit frequently after meals, have recurring abdominal pain or discomfort, and have taken medication to treat gastritis, but the symptoms persist or have lost weight, or have frequent diarrhea.

The process of gastrointestinal endoscopy involves several steps:

1. The patient is given a local anesthetic spray in the throat area.
2. In some cases, the patient may be given a sedative injection to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
3. The patient lies on their left side during the procedure.
4. The doctor inserts the endoscope through the mouth and instructs the patient to relax to make the procedure easier.

Benefits of gastrointestinal endoscopy include:

1. Diagnosis of diseases in the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, such as inflammation, ulcers, tumors, or organ compression.
2. Treatment by inserting tools or devices through the endoscope, such as a tool to remove polyps, a device to cut off bleeding vessels in the stomach, a device to inject or band varices in the esophagus, or a device to stretch a narrow esophagus.

Side Effects

1.In the case of food debris in the stomach, there may be regurgitation of food debris into the lungs, which can cause pneumonia and make the test results ineffective.

2.After the test, there may be soreness in the throat area.

3.There may be chest pain, abdominal discomfort, and difficulty breathing.

4.Note that the spitting saliva may contain a small amount of blood.

Preparation for the Test

1.It is recommended to fast for 6-8 hours before the test to empty the stomach of food debris, in order to prevent regurgitation of food debris into the lungs, which can cause pneumonia and to ensure accurate test results.

2.If you have removable dentures, they should be removed before the test.

3.It is recommended to have a relative or friend accompany you.

4.If you have any medical conditions or allergies to medications, inform the doctor.

Thorough translation: Post-Endoscopy Care

1.Rest and observe for any abnormal symptoms for about 1-2 hours.

2.Do not drink any water until the numbness in the throat has disappeared. Once the numbness has subsided, try sipping water. If there is no discomfort, it is safe to drink water.

3.There may be some discomfort in the throat after the procedure.

With best wishes from the Gastrointestinal Center.