What is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a surgical procedure used to closely examine the upper digestive system. A tiny camera is attached to the end of a long flexible tube and inserted into the patient to get a visual within the body. With this, a digestive system specialist can diagnose and even treat conditions. It may help investigate the causes of symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and pain. Special tools attached to the endoscopy can remove foreign objects and widen narrow esophagus’. 

Treatment

Those that will go through endoscopy will have to stop drinking and eating 8 hours prior to the procedure, stop taking any blood thinning medication such as aspirin a few days before, and if the patient is a diabetic, has high bp or a heart disease, the doctor will recommend instructions accordingly. After the procedure, the patient will stay in for an hour so allowing the sedative to wear off. Then they must go home and rest for a full day so that there’s full recovery. There can be uncomfortable symptoms such as cramping, sore throat, bloating and gas. The results depend on the reason for the test. If was to find an ulcer for example, then it’ll be known after the procedure but biopsy results take a few weeks.