ENDOSCOPY?WHAT IS ENDOSCOPY?. WHY SHOULD PEOPLE GO THROUGH ENDOSCOPY?.

What is Endoscopy?.

This is a procedure used by the doctor to look inside your body.It uses endoscope to check or examine the interior (inside) hollow organs and cavity of inside of your body. It goes from your mouth to the esophagus to your stomach and down to your duodenum.

Why should your doctor order this test?.

Your doctor will order this test to see if you have cancer of the upper GI tract,inflammation, difficulty to swallow, esophageal varices,upper GI bleeding, shortness of breath.When there is a problem in the lining of the upper GI tract or there is a blockage of the passage of food.

You will sign consent for:Esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

The upper GI tract include

1. THROAT.

2.ESOPHAGUS.

3.STOMACH.

4.DUODENUM ( which is the first part of the small intestine)

CONDITIONS COMMONLY DIAGNOSED WITH UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY ARE:

1.GERD(Gastroesophageal reflux disease)occurs when gastric acid flows from the stomach into the esophagus. Gerd can damage the lining of the esophagus. It also causes Barrett’s esophagus- which is the growth of abnormal cells that can lead to cancer.

Long term GERD- Heartburn,indigestion, nausea.

UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY- Special light is use that highlights abnormal tissues- take biopsy. Biopsy is a small sample of the lining inside the affected area. A pathology laboratory will look into the cells and tell if it is abnormal.

2. INFLAMMATION AND ULCERS: Upper GI endoscopy with a biopsy can detect inflammation inside the upper GI tract which include:

(a)Duodenitis – Inflammation of the duodenum.

(b)Esophagitis – Inflammation of the esophagus .

(c)Gastritis- Inflammation of the stomach.

Inflammation can cause erosion and ulcers. Inflammation is commonly caused by a Helicobacter pyloric infection. This infection can lead to duodenal and stomach (peptic) ulcers.

3.CANCER AND TUMORS: Symptoms of vomiting, anemia and pain with swallowing. The doctor orders endoscopy and sees ulceration, abnormal bumps and masses during an upper G Endoscopy- takes biopsy. Biopsy is examined in the laboratory to determine if the tissue sample biopsied is benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer)The most common cancer of the upper GI tract is the stomach ( gastric)

4. ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURE:An esophageal structure is a narrowing of the esophagus. It blocks the normal passage of food or liquid to the stomach. Large pieces of food can get stuck.

GERD OR TUMORS can lead to strictures. Your doctor will order GI ENDOSCOPY if you have symptoms of an esophageal stricture. The typical symptoms are :

Difficulty to swallow.

Shortness of breath.

Chest pressure,

Vomiting. Your doctor can see and possibly treat the stricture during endoscopy.

5.ESOPHAGEAL VARIES: The veins in the esophagus become enlarged and this enlarged vein can rupture and bleed.People with esophageal var ices may vomit blood, black tarry or bloody stools. There are no symptoms until they start to bleed. This can be life threatening. Liver disease is a major risk factors associated with esophageal varices.

GI Endoscopy is performed if you have liver disease. The doctor uses Upper GI endoscopy to see and treat liver diseases. It can be performed as an emergency procedure if patient is actively bleeding.

REFERENCES:

https://www.nature.com>subject. Endoscopy latest research and news nature .

https://www.mayo.edu>clinical-trials.Upper GI Clinical trials- Mayo Clinic Research.