Overview
A gastroenterologist uses the procedure named upper endoscopy to visually examine your upper digestive system. An upper endoscopy is a process that involves a long and flexible tube and the tube has a tiny camera situated at the end on it. The best place to get your upper GI endoscopy done is The Newtown Clinic, where you can also get the appointments of the best gastroenterologists in Kolkata. Upper endoscopy helps diagnose and at times treat issues related to your stomach, esophagus and duodenum (the beginning of your small intestine). Upper endoscopy is also known as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The Newtown Clinic has the best gastroenterologists in Kolkata associated with it and it also has a diagnostic center where you can get your upper endoscopy done right.
Why is it done?
An upper endoscopy is done to determine and sometimes treat your condition related to the upper portion of your digestive system. It investigates the main cause behind your signs and symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, gastrointestinal bleeding and difficulty swallowing. Your doctor may use this process called upper endoscopy to diagnose your condition by collecting tissue samples for biopsy. Upper endoscopy also helps determine diseases like bleeding, inflammation, anaemia, diarrhea and also cancer in any part of your upper digestive system. In some cases, the gastroenterologist in Kolkata may also use this process to treat few conditions and burn the bleeding vessel to put an end to the bleeding or clipping off some polyp. It is also used to widen a narrow esophagus and to remove some unknown foreign object in your upper digestive system. Sometimes, this process is combined with an ultrasound or other procedures depending on the condition of the patient.
Preparation
You will have to fast before an endoscopy. You need to stop eating and drinking 4 to 8 hours prior to your endoscopy. You have to make sure that your stomach remains empty before the procedure takes place. You must discuss your regular medicines with your gastroenterologist before an endoscopy. The doctor will guide you about those ongoing medications and will let you know if you need to stop taking some medicine for the time being.
What to expect during an endoscopy?
- At first, you will be asked to lie down on a table either on your back or on your side before an endoscopy.
- The monitor may be attached to your body often, allowing the health team to monitor your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
- To make you relax during an endoscopy, you may be given a sedative medication through a vein of your forearm. An anaesthetic may also be sprayed in your mouth so that it becomes numb, as you might be asked to hold your mouth open and to wear a mouth guard made of plastic.
- The endoscope (the tube with the camera attached) will be inserted into your mouth.
- You can’t talk once the endoscope passes down through your throat.
- The tiny camera fixed with the tube will transmit images to the monitor.
- Some gentle air pressure will be fed into your esophagus so that your digestive tract can be inflated.
- In case of collecting a tissue sample or removing a polyp, your doctor may use surgical tools through the endoscope.
Conclusion
If you are in search of the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata, visit The Newtown Clinic. You can also get your endoscopy done here hassle-freely.