Endoscopy Specialist

What is endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool The Gastroenterology Group team uses to identify the underlying cause of unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms.

They can also use endoscopy technology to treat certain conditions depending on your symptoms and their underlying cause.

Why would I need an endoscopy?

The Gastroenterology Group team might recommend an upper endoscopy if you have symptoms of a gastrointestinal disease or disorder, like acid reflux, heartburn, Crohn’s disease, or ulcers.

Symptoms that can require an endoscopy include:

• Abdominal pain
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Swallowing difficulties
• Unexplained weight loss

You might also need an upper endoscopy if you have bleeding in your upper digestive tract.

What happens during an endoscopy?

During an upper endoscopy, The Gastroenterology Group team inserts a flexible tube with a camera down your throat into your digestive tract. This allows them to examine the lining of your upper digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, and the first few inches of your small intestine.

The physicians will provide you with a sedative before your procedure to keep you calm and relaxed. The team watches a monitor that receives images from the inserted camera as it travels through your digestive tract throughout your procedure.

Depending on your condition, the team might also feed air through the tube to clearly see the lining of your digestive tract. In some cases, they’ll also need to insert surgical tools into the tube to collect a tissue sample (biopsy) for further analysis.

How long does it take to recover from an endoscopy?

An endoscopy can take up to 30 minutes. Immediately after your procedure, you’ll spend time in recovery as the sedative wears off.

The providers will discuss your test results with you before you leave and determine if you need additional testing or treatment. They offer complete care for gastrointestinal diseases that they discover during your endoscopy.

You’ll need someone to drive you home after your procedure. You should relax for the rest of the day until the sedative wears off. You might experience some mild bloating, gas, or cramping that should get better on its own after a day or two.

To find out more about the diagnostic benefits of an endoscopy, call The Gastroenterology Group today or book an appointment online