Introduction
It is a procedure where a camera is introduced through the mouth to visualize your food pipe (gullet), stomach and upper part of the intestines.
Why do you need this?
This is done for further assessment of symptoms like heart burn, difficulty in swallowing and vomiting.
Preparation
- It is a relatively straightforward less cumbersome procedure.
- This is done as an out patient procedure in most cases.
- You will have to inform the doctors if you are taking any blood thinning drugs (ex: warfarin) or antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel). You may be on these drugs if you have cardiac diseases, metallic heart valves or blood clotting disorders. This is important as there is a risk of bleeding, specially if part of tissue is being taken for evaluation (Biopsy).
- Usually 6 hours of fasting is adequate before the procedure.
- You are asked be at the endoscopy unit at the scheduled time.
- Before the procedure your throat is being sprayed with a solution that will numb your throat. This allows the camera to move through your throat without causing discomfort.
Procedure
- Then you are asked to lie on your left side. A mouthpiece is given to hold between your teeth, through which the camera passes in.
- Operator will instruct you to swallow when you feel the camera in your throat.
- There may be some discomfort at this point.
- As your food pipe and stomach being visualized, operator will insert some gas to distend them so that a clear view can be obtained. With gas going in, you might feel little discomfort. Most patients tolerate this procedure without any problem.
- As the doctor sees what's inside your food pipe and stomach, you will also be able to see it on a screen. Isn't that exciting!!
What happens after the procedure?
After giving you some time to relax, the doctor will explain the findings. Then you will be given a treatment plan.
If tissues have being taken for further evaluation (a biopsy), a date will be given for discussing the results.
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