What Is An Endoscopy & When Is One Necessary?
When your doctor needs to visualize your esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine, they may recommend performing an upper endoscopy. These organs comprise your upper digestive system and an upper endoscopy can be used to diagnose a wide variety of health issues that affect these, learn more about what you can expect by reaching out to your local health experts at the Paragon Surgical Center in Saint Thomas, VI.
Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy involves the use of a long and flexible tube with a very tiny camera at the front. This device, called an endoscope, is guided through your mouth to either diagnose or treat different types of conditions.
Investigating Symptoms
One of the most common reasons why an upper endoscopy may be necessary is if you're experiencing symptoms related to your digestion, symptoms that can include heartburn, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, difficulty swallowing, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
The procedure can be used to biopsy tissue in the affected organs to test for certain diseases and health conditions, and may also be used to detect cancers in the upper digestive system.
Treatment
Problems with your upper digestive system can be treated by using an endoscope, in which case, small tools are also used along with the small camera. This allows your doctor to perform different types of treatments in a non-invasive way that can be an alternative to traditional surgical procedures.
Common reasons for endoscopic treatment involve widening a narrow esophagus, clipping off a polyp, removing a foreign object, and stopping internal bleeding, among others.
Endoscopy in Saint Thomas, VI
Preparation can vary depending on the reason for your visit, but typically you'll be asked to fast in the hours prior to the procedure, and may be told to stop taking certain medications temporarily, your provider will give you all the necessary preparations.
If you require an upper endoscopy and live in or near the area of Saint Thomas, VI, you can schedule a consultation with the Paragon Surgical Center by dialing (340) 715-7874.