Your digestive system has a critical role in your wellness. You need to identify any concerns early and start treatment for potential underlying complications to prevent any concerns that might jeopardize your wellness. Your EUS Pineville endoscopy center primary physician can recommend you undergo an upper endoscopy to reveal any underlying problems and thus necessitate the significance of treatment to optimize your health.
When is the best time to undergo an upper endoscopy?
An upper endoscopy will reveal crucial details about the health of your digestive system. Your doctor will personalize the procedure depending on your symptoms. The following are the most common signs of digestive concerns that might make your doctor recommend an upper endoscopy. For example, complaints of heartburn or coughing and vomiting blood could be associated with upper digestive tract problems.
The anatomy and physiology of the upper digestive tract
Collaborating with a certified physician will increase your chances of enhanced clinical efficiencies. A professional is better positioned to deliver care to solve your upper digestive tract problems because he has the necessary anatomy and physiology knowledge to identify concerns and thus develop an appropriate treatment to eliminate your symptoms. The following are the main parts making up your upper digestive tract:
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Duodenum
Indications for an upper endoscopy
Your doctor will review your symptoms to identify digestive tract problems requiring an upper endoscopy. The following are the most common reasons to undergo an upper endoscopy:
- Unexplained weight loss or anorexia
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Irritability
- Diarrhea or malabsorption
Your doctor may also perform an upper endoscopy to evaluate the structure and functioning of your upper digestive tract after major surgery to analyze side effects and recommend necessary management to preserve your health.
Which equipment do doctors use during upper endoscopy?
Your primary care provider will leverage specific equipment to ensure a comprehensive upper endoscopy. The following are the main tools used during upper endoscopy:
Gastroscopes: This tool can help your doctor determine the underlying causes of acute upper digestive tract bleeding. There are three types of gastroscopes: standard, one with a large operating channel, and another with a high definition. The latter type of gastroscope will help your doctor screen for pre-malignant gastric or duodenal lesions. If you are coughing or vomiting blood, you should expect to see gastroscopes with a large operating channel during your diagnostic appointment.
Accessories: Upper endoscopies require tissue sampling, a purpose that requires your doctor to use biopsy forceps. Your doctor will leverage other tools if he anticipates the need for additional therapeutic procedures.
Upper endoscopy preparation guidelines
Your doctor will recommend various preparation guidelines to ensure you undergo a smooth endoscopy. For example, you may need to fast before the procedure to enhance procedural accuracy. Inform your doctor about any medications you take to receive appropriate adjustments and eliminate the risk of procedural complications due to contraindications. Upper endoscopy requires sedation to minimize procedural discomfort. Your doctor will conduct a pre-procedural evaluation to evaluate your risk of sedation complications and thus plan for proper management techniques. Contact Carolina Digestive Health Associates, PA, if you have symptoms like heartburn to schedule an upper endoscopy to reveal the cause of your symptoms and begin necessary treatment to optimize your digestion.
