Do you have an endoscopy scheduled or are you just curious about the procedure itself? A renowned gastroenterologist in Kolkata says that patients should not be afraid of the procedure. The expert dispels the myths and explains the importance of endoscopy.
What Is An Endoscopy?
The endoscopic examination involves inserting a tube into the patient’s esophagus to carefully examine it and take a biopsy of the tissue fragments. Endoscopy is usually done after sedating the patient.
Who Should Have An Endoscopy?
There are no clear age guidelines for undergoing the first screening endoscopy to determine whether a patient has Barrett’s esophagus or any form of cancers.
Patients with persistent heartburn who are not receiving any help of medication should also consider having an endoscopy. Chronic acid reflux causes Barrett’s esophagus and is also a major risk factor for esophageal cancer. An endoscopy will help the doctor monitor any possible cancer growth and the doctor can eliminate the early chances. in turn, it increases your chances of living a longer, healthier life.
Why Is It Important For Patients To Undergo Endoscopy?
Basically, endoscopy is the best method of detecting Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer early. A reputed gastro doctor in Kolkata can tell if a patient has Barrett’s disease, where the lining of the esophagus, usually white, turns red as seen under a microscope.
Patients with Barrett’s esophagus are at increased risk of developing ulcers, narrowing, and cancer of the esophagus. They are also at increased risk of developing a certain type of cancer of the esophagus, which affects more and more people each year. It is the fastest-growing cancer in Caucasian men in the United States.
However, an endoscopy would be a great option to treat Barrett’s esophagus and early esophageal cancer which will save the esophagus from major surgery.
Unfortunately, in most patients, cancer happens at an advanced stage, so it is important to perform an endoscopy to identify the precursors of the lesions and to biopsy the tissue sample.
What Are The Benefits Of Endoscopy Surgery?
Endoscopic surgery causes fewer soft tissues and muscle injuries and has a number of other benefits, such as:
- Less blood loss associated with surgery
- Fewer scars and better cosmetic results with smaller incisions
- Pain reduction after surgery.
- Reduced risk of infection.
- No muscle contraction is required
- Faster recovery and less rehabilitation required
- Less need for analgesics in the postoperative period
- Less time in the hospital and most patients go home the same day
If you are struggling with neck or back pain, have you taken medical advice? If you haven’t noticed any improvement, then it’s time to speak to the team at The Newtown Clinic. Our gastroenterology doctors in Kolkata are ready to help you choose your treatment options, including the use of minimally invasive procedures such as endoscopic surgery.