All About Digestive Endoscopy

What is Digestive Endoscopy?

Digestive endoscopy is a procedure performed by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a gastroenterologist or surgeon, to examine the lining of the digestive tract using a fiber optic endoscope equipped with a camera. The patient is usually mildly sedated to promote relaxation during the procedure.

Why Does a Doctor Perform Digestive Endoscopy?

Doctors use digestive endoscopy to diagnose and treat symptoms and diseases related to the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine, specifically the duodenum. This procedure plays a crucial role in managing gastrointestinal disorders.

Digestive endoscopy can help find the cause of unexplained symptoms, such as:

• Persistent heartburn;
• Bleeding;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Pain;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Unexplained weight loss;

Digestive endoscopy can be used to identify many different diseases:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
• Ulcers;
• Inflammation;
• Precancerous abnormalities;
• Celiac disease;
• Strictures or narrowing of the esophagus;
• Obstructions;

Digestive endoscopy can detect damage after a patient has ingested harmful chemicals.

How to Prepare for a Digestive Endoscopy?

To adequately prepare for a digestive endoscopy, it is essential to have a thorough discussion of your medical history with your doctor. Be sure to inform them about your existing medical conditions, symptoms, allergies, and all medications (prescription and over-the-counter), vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Transparency regarding your health will help your doctor understand your situation better and provide you with the best possible care.

These substances include:

• Aspirin or medications containing aspirin;
• Arthritis medications;
• Blood thinners;
• Blood pressure medications;
• Diabetes medications;
• Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, often prescribed for pain relief;

During your digestive endoscopy, you may need to adjust or temporarily discontinue your medication. Rest assured, your doctor will inform you of any necessary adjustments before the procedure. For a smooth process, arrange for someone to accompany you home afterward. For patient safety, refrain from driving for 24 hours following the endoscopy due to the use of sedatives, which require time to clear from your system. Also, remember to not eat or drink anything before the procedure. To clearly visualize the upper digestive tract, the doctor will likely ask you to refrain from eating or drinking for 8 hours prior to the procedure.

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How Does a Doctor Perform a Digestive Endoscopy?

To gently prepare you for the procedure, your doctor will administer a sedative or medication to help you relax and feel comfortable. This will be delivered via a needle in your arm. In some cases, sedation may not be necessary. You may also be given a liquid medicine or spray to numb your throat. Healthcare staff will monitor your vital signs and ensure your comfort. You will lie on your side on an examination table. The doctor will carefully pass the endoscope down your esophagus, then into your stomach and duodenum.

During the digestive endoscopy the doctor may:

• Take small tissue, cell, or fluid samples from your upper digestive tract for testing;
• Stop any bleeding;
• Perform other procedures;

Digestive endoscopy typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes. The endoscope does not interfere with breathing and many people fall asleep during the procedure.

What to Expect After a Digestive Endoscopy?

After a digestive endoscopy, the patient can expect to:

• Remain in the hospital for 1 to 2 hours after the procedure to allow the sedative to wear off;
• Rest at home for the remainder of the day;
• Experience bloating or nausea for a short period after the endoscopy;
• Have a sore throat for 1 to 2 days;
• Return to a normal diet once your swallowing is back to normal;

After the procedure, the patient, or a friend or family member accompanying them if the patient is still sedated, will receive instructions on how to care for themselves at home. The patient should follow all instructions. Some digestive endoscopy results will be available immediately. The doctor will inform the patient, and if desired, a friend or relative, of the results. A pathology specialist will examine the tissue, cell, or fluid samples to determine the diagnosis. It may take a few days or more to receive biopsy results from the lab. The pathologist will send a report to the healthcare provider to share with the patient.

What are the Risks of Digestive Endoscopy?

Digestive endoscopy is considered a safe procedure. The risks of complications from this procedure are low, but may include:

• Bleeding where the doctor took tissue samples or removed a polyp;
• Perforation of the upper digestive tract wall;
• An abnormal response to the use of sedatives, such as respiratory or cardiac problems;

If bleeding occurs after the procedure, it is usually minor and resolves without treatment. Serious complications, such as perforation, are rare. However, your doctor may need to perform surgery to treat some complications.

The doctor can also manage any abnormal reaction to a sedative by using medications or intravenous fluids before, during, or after the procedure.

If you experience any of the following symptoms after a digestive endoscopy, it's vital to see a doctor immediately for an examination:

• Chest pain;
• Breathing problems;
• Difficulty swallowing or worsening sore throat;
• Vomiting, especially if it contains blood or looks like coffee grounds;
• Worsening abdominal pain;
• Bloody or black, tarry stools;
• Fever;

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