Endoscopy

Doctors recommend an endoscopy for various reasons. It is not only used for diagnosis but also for treatment. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Investigating symptoms: If you’re dealing with stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss, an endoscopy can help your doctor find out what’s happening.
• Checking for bleeding: If you have signs of bleeding in your digestive tract, an endoscopy can help locate the source.
• Screening and prevention: For example, people with a history of polyps, Barrett’s oesophagus, or chronic acid reflux may have regular endoscopies to monitor their condition.
• Treatment purposes: During an endoscopy, doctors can also remove small growths (polyps), take tissue samples (biopsies), or stop bleeding if needed.

Endoscopy is one of the most valuable tools for diagnosing digestive health problems. Some of the conditions it can detect include:

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux that can damage the oesophagus.
• Ulcers: Sores in the stomach or small intestine lining.
• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining.
• Coeliac disease: A condition where your body reacts to gluten.
• Polyps and tumours: Abnormal growths that may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
• Barrett’s oesophagus: A condition linked to long-term acid reflux and a higher risk of oesophageal cancer.
• Hiatal hernia: A condition where part of the stomach pushes into the chest cavity.
• Infections or inflammation: Including H. pylori infection, which is linked to ulcers and stomach cancer.

In some cases, endoscopy can also help detect early stages of cancer before symptoms become severe. Early detection means treatment can start sooner.

The idea of having a camera inserted might sound uncomfortable, but most people find the procedure easier than they expected. Here’s how it usually goes:

1. Sedation and comfort: Before starting, you’ll usually receive a sedative through an IV to help you relax. Some people even fall asleep and don’t remember the procedure at all. Your throat may also be numbed with a spray.
2. Inserting the endoscope: The doctor gently guides the thin, flexible tube through your mouth and throat, into your oesophagus, and down into your stomach and small intestine.
3. Examining the digestive tract: As the camera moves along, your doctor can carefully examine the lining of your digestive system on a video screen.
4. Taking samples if needed: If anything unusual is seen, small tools can be passed through the endoscope to take tissue samples (biopsies) or remove growths.
5. Finishing the procedure: Once everything is checked, the scope is removed. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

The team will monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your comfort and safety

Preparation is usually simple but important to ensure the test provides accurate results. Your doctor will give you specific instructions, but here are some general guidelines:

• Fasting: You’ll likely be asked not to eat or drink for about 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. An empty stomach makes it easier for the doctor to see clearly.
• Medication adjustments: Let your doctor know about all medications you’re taking, especially blood thinners, diabetes medications, or heart medications. You may need to adjust the timing or dosage.
• Allergies or medical conditions: Be sure to share if you have allergies, heart conditions, lung disease, or any other chronic illness.
• Arranging a ride home: Because sedation can make you drowsy, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward.

If you feel nervous, it may help to talk with your doctor beforehand. They can explain what to expect in detail and answer your questions.

After your endoscopy, you’ll spend a short time in a recovery area while the sedative wears off. Most people can go home within an hour or two. Here’s what you can expect afterward:

• Mild side effects: You may feel a little groggy, have a sore throat, or feel bloated from the air introduced during the procedure. These usually go away within a day.
• Eating and drinking: You can usually eat and drink again once throat numbness wears off. Start with light meals and see how you feel.
• Results: Sometimes, your doctor can share findings right away. If a biopsy was taken, results may take a few days.
• Activity: Rest is recommended for the rest of the day. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or making big decisions until the sedative’s effects have fully worn off.

Although rare, complications can happen. Contact your doctor if you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, fever, or severe abdominal pain after the procedure. Most people recover quickly and can return to normal activities the next day.