What Is An Endoscopy?
Sometimes we go to the doctor and we tell him/her what is going on with our health and we try to describe what our current complaint is. Unfortunately, sometimes the symptoms are so vague or they could relate to so many different illnesses or diseases that the doctor decides that diagnostic tests need to be performed in order to get a handle on what is really going on. When you go to your physician presenting symptoms related to digestion or pain in the abdomen, it is quite common for the doctor to order an ‘endoscopy.’
An upper endoscopy entails the use of a small tube that is threaded down the esophagus, through the stomach and as far as the upper small intestines. With the advent of fiber-optics the gastroenterologist is able to see what is going on inside in order to make an accurate diagnosis. Also, there are some issues that can be repaired at the same time. For instance if you have polyps that need to be removed or a tear in the lining that can be mended, it can all be dealt with at the same time, using the same tube.
The general procedure usually requires the patient to be sedated. Sometimes full sedation is required and other times doctors administer what is called “twilight sedation.” If the doctor suspects there may be a need to do more than just a routine examination, general anesthesia will probably be prescribed. Although they are not the most pleasant of procedures, it is always best to know exactly what is causing your symptoms in order to make an accurate diagnosis and to prescribe the best corrective treatment.
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