|
UPPER
GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY
WHAT
IS AN ENDOSCOPY?
 An
endoscopy (upper gastrointestinal endoscopy) is a test which allows
a doctor to look at the lining of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach
and duodenum. It is carried out under local anaesthesia spray /
sedation and patients do not usually remember having it done
afterwards. An endoscope is a long flexible tube (the thickness of a
little finger) with a bright light at the end. In some cases
biopsies (small pieces of tissue) may be taken with tiny forceps and
sent to the laboratory. Taking biopsies is painless and is very
safe.
MEDICATION
Please continue to
take any essential drugs such as steroids or heart tablets as usual
on the day of the procedure. If you are on treatment for diabetes or
take anticoagulants (Warfarin) you will be given the necessary
instructions at the time of booking the test.
PREPARATION
To
allow a clear view the stomach must be completely empty, so it is
important that you do not eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours
before the test.
CONSENT
On
arrival at the department the doctor will explain the test and ask
you to sign a consent form agreeing for the test to be carried out.
Do not be afraid to ask any questions or state any worries that you
may have about the test. At this time please inform the nurse or
doctor if you have any allergies or have had bad reactions to any
previous tests. Inform the nurse of any medication that you may be
taking.
SEDATION
The nurse will ask
you to remove any dentures. No clothing needs to be removed, but
loose fitti ng clothes are best to wear during the test. You will be
asked to lie on your left hand side on a comfortable couch. A small
probe will be applied to your finger so as to monitor your pulse.
The nurse will stay with you throughout. The doctor may give an
injection into your arm to make you feel sleepy and relaxed.
Some
patients prefer to have their endoscopy done without the sedative
injection. If you require this please let the nurse know when you
arrive at the endoscopy unit. Instead of giving an injection you
will be given a throat spray which will numb the back of the throat.
The advantage of not having a sedation is that you don't need an
escort to take you home afterwards and you can drive and go about
your normal activities immediately after the test. The disadvantages
are that you cannot eat or drink until the throat spray has worn off
(usually 1 hour) and of course you will be aware of the whole
procedure which may be a little uncomfortable.
PROCEDURE
A
plastic mouthpiece will be placed gently between your gums, or
teeth, in order to keep your mouth open. The doctor passes the
endoscope (tube) through this mouthpiece and into your stomach.
Should you have a lot of saliva in your mouth the nurse will clear
it using a small suction tube. When the examination is finished the
tube is removed quickly and easily. The procedure will last
approximately 15 minutes.
AFTER THE
TEST
You
will stay in our recovery room where a nurse will look after you for
about one hour when you have finally recovered refreshments will be
offered. Any discomfort will soon settle and no medication is needed.
ESCORT
You
require someone to come with you for the procedure. This escort must
remain in the department whilst you are haying your endoscopy and
then must take home afterwards and stay with you for 24 hours. They
do not actually go into the endoscopy room with you when you have
your procedure. Sedation lasts longer than you think. It is
important that if you have been given an injection you should NOT:
DRIVE A CAR, OPERATE MACHINERY, DRINK ALCOHOL, or SIGN ANY LEGAL
DOCUMENTS for the next 24 hours. You may also suffer from
forgetfulness. You should rest quietly for the remainder of the day.
RESULTS
The
endoscopy report will be ready in an hours time.. If biopsies have
been taken these will take a few days to process.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Video
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is adiagnostic
endoscopic procedure that visualizes the upper part
of the gastrointestinal tractup to the duodenum. It
is considered a minimally invasive procedure since
it does not require an incision into one of the
major body cavities and does not require any
significant recovery after the procedure (unless
sedation or anesthesia has been used
Indications
Diagnostic
· Unexplained anemia (usually along with a
colonoscopy)
· Upper gastrointestinal bleeding as evidenced by
hematemesis or malena
· Persistent dyspepsia in patients over the age of
45 years
· Heartburn and chronic acid reflux - this can lead
to a precancerous lesion called Barrett's esophagus
· Persistent vomiting
· Dysphagia - difficulty in swallowing
· Odynophagia - painful swallowing
· Persistent nausea
Surveillance
· Surveillance of Barrett's esophagus
· Surveillance of gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer
· Occasionally after gastric surgery
Confirmation of diagnosis/biopsy
· Abnormal barium swallow or barium meal
· Confirmation of celiac disease (via biopsy)
Therapeutic
· Treatment (banding/sclerotherapy) of esophageal
varices
· Injection therapy (e.g. epinephrine in bleeding
lesions)
· Cutting off of larger pieces of tissue with a
snare device (e.g. polyps, endoscopic mucosal
resection)
· Application of cautery to tissues
· Removal of foreign bodies (e.g. food) that have
been ingested
· Tamponade of bleeding esophageal varices with a
balloon
· Application of photodynamic therapy for treatment
of esophageal malignancies
· Endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst
· Tightening the lower esophageal sphincter
· Dilating or stenting of stenosis or achalasia
· Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (feeding tube
placement)
|
|
| |
|
|
