Did you say they put a camera in for stomach problems? Let's talk about endoscopy!

Do you also often feel like you have gastritis or heartburn? Do you sometimes have problems like your stomach is full and your food is not digested properly? When you go to see a doctor for something like this, has he told you that you need to "put in a camera" or that you need to do an endoscopy? Many people get a little scared when they hear those words. "What, do they put in a camera? Will it hurt? Is it a big deal?" Many questions come to mind. So, today, let's talk about this endoscopy test in a simple way to dispel all your fears and doubts.

Simply put, what is endoscopy?

This isn't really surgery. Imagine a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light attached to one end. This is what we call an endoscope.

The doctor uses this endoscope to examine your digestive system, that is, the inside of your intestines. The images seen by the camera can be viewed on a large TV monitor. This allows you to clearly see what is happening inside your intestines and whether there is any problem.

Sometimes, the doctor can pass very small instruments through this tube to take a small piece of tissue for examination (biopsy) from a suspicious area, or to perform minor treatments.

Are there types of endoscopy?

Yes, the name of this test varies depending on the part of the body being tested. You may have heard of these names.

• Upper Endoscopy: This is what most people are told to do. In this, an endoscope is inserted through your mouth and examined the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. This is done to check for things like gastritis and stomach ulcers.

• Colonoscopy / Sigmoidoscopy: This examines the lower part of the digestive system, the colon. The endoscope is inserted through the rectum. The name of this procedure depends on how far into the colon it examines.

• Capsule Endoscopy: This is a little different, but very interesting procedure. Imagine, you swallow a small capsule, like a vitamin capsule. Inside it is a small camera! As this capsule moves through your intestines, it continuously takes pictures and sends them to a recorder that you wear on your waist. In about a day or two, this capsule is passed out of your body with your stool. This procedure is very effective for looking inside the small intestine, which is difficult to reach with a regular endoscope.

• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): This is another special type. It mainly examines the pancreas, gallbladder, and related ducts. Sometimes, if there are stones stuck in the gallbladder, this method is also used to remove them.

Why am I being asked to have an endoscopy?

There are several reasons why a doctor might recommend this test. It can help diagnose a disease and sometimes even help with treatment.

Are there any risks in this?

First of all, endoscopy is a very safe procedure . Thousands of people around the world undergo this procedure every day. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some small risks that can occur very rarely . Don't be alarmed by these, but it's good to be aware of them.

• Reaction to sedation: Some people may be allergic to this medication. However, if this happens, the medical team is ready to treat it immediately.
• Bleeding: A little bleeding may occur, especially if a biopsy is taken or a polyp is removed. It is usually not serious.
• Perforation of the intestinal wall: This is very, very rare . If it does happen, a minor surgery will be required to correct it.
• Infection: As with any test, there is a small chance of infection.

It's important to remember that these things happen very rarely. Your doctor will take care of all of this.

How to prepare for the test?

Preparing for this is very simple.

Colon cleansing

For an upper endoscopy, all you need to do is stop eating and drinking for 6-8 hours before the test and keep your stomach empty.

However, if it's a colonoscopy, which looks at the lower part of the colon, the colon needs to be very clean. Otherwise, the camera won't be able to see anything. For that, you'll need to take a special laxative that your doctor will give you the day before the test. You'll be given specific instructions about that.

Sedation

Most of the time, you will be put to sleep so that you don't feel any discomfort or pain during this test. This is done by giving a small injection into a vein. You will feel like you are in a light sleep. Therefore, you will not have any memory of the test.

What happens after the test?

After the test is over, you will be allowed to rest in the hospital or clinic for about an hour until the effects of the sleeping pills you were given wear off.

• If the tube is inserted through the mouth, there may be a slight soreness in the throat for a day or two.
• You may experience a slight feeling of bloating and stomach cramps . These usually go away quickly.

If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor immediately!

If you experience any of the symptoms below, even after the test, you should inform your doctor immediately.

• Unbearable, severe stomach pain
• Fever
• Persistent bloody stools
• Dizziness or extreme weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting something that looks like coffee grounds or blood

Endoscopy, Stomach ache, Gastritis, Colonoscopy, Stomach, Intestines, Medical tests