Endoscopy is a diagnostic test that can aid in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders. It can also be used for biopsies and therapy. Let's discuss this further.
Endoscopy comes from two Greek words: "endon," meaning within, and "skopein," meaning to see. Literally, endoscopy means to look into. In keeping with its function, an endoscope is used to help doctors see inside the human body. An endoscope is shaped like a tube or tube with a camera at the end. With an endoscope, we can see inside organs. Endoscopy is often used as a supporting examination to help see the inside of the digestive tract.
What to do beforehand?
Before performing an endoscopy, the attending physician will conduct a further medical interview. During this process, it's important to provide information about your medical history, including any medications and supplements you regularly take. The doctor will then make a medical assessment of your eligibility for the endoscopy. Some common medications that are often considered prior to an endoscopy are anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
These medications carry a risk of bleeding, so your doctor should be aware of this when preparing for the procedure. Other routine medications, such as diabetes medications, require dosage and timing adjustments because fasting is part of the preparation. These adjustments are crucial for properly controlling blood sugar levels and preventing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia..
Before the endoscopy, the patient will be asked to fast for approximately 6-8 hours to ensure there is no food in the area of the digestive tract being examined, which could interfere with the camera's field of view and the test results. Furthermore, fasting is crucial to prevent the risk of aspiration, which is the passage of food from the digestive tract into the respiratory system, which can cause respiratory failure.
Was anesthesia performed?
Endoscopy procedures generally do not require anesthesia. However, patients who require it or have special conditions may be given a mild sedative to help them relax during the procedure. In special cases, for patients with high anxiety, anesthesia may be considered.
Endoscopy process
During an endoscopy, an instrument is inserted into the digestive tract to be examined. The digestive tracts that can be examined using an endoscope are the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts. Therefore, the digestive tract being examined determines which cavity the endoscope's camera will first pass through.
Other functions of endoscopy
In addition to providing a supportive examination by viewing the inside of the digestive organs, an endoscope offers the advantage of allowing a biopsy to be performed without opening the abdominal cavity, as is commonly done in gastrointestinal surgery. A biopsy may be performed if the doctor requires further assessment to establish a diagnosis and therapy. This is important to determine whether cells are within normal limits, whether there is a risk of malignancy, or whether inflammation or infection is present.
Endoscopy can also be a therapeutic option for some gastrointestinal conditions. One such procedure, known as ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), can help treat gallstones in the bile duct.
One day care
Endoscopy procedures usually do not require hospitalization or can be performed in day care. After the procedure, an evaluation will be conducted for several hours. The patient's condition during the evaluation will help the doctor decide on further treatment. Patients undergoing endoscopy are strongly advised to be accompanied by a family member and are advised not to drive themselves due to the potential residual effects of pre-procedure sedation.
Side effects of endoscopy
Every medical procedure carries risks and side effects. One such reaction is a reaction to sedation, such as dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness. Patients may also complain of throat discomfort and bloating. In some cases, the risk of infection and bleeding can increase. Therefore, a post-procedure evaluation is crucial. Written by Dr. Valda Garcia. Reviewed by Dr. Ernest Eugene.
.png)