Endoscopy

An endoscopy is a procedure your doctor at Triborough GI performs to closely examine and treat your GI tract, which includes your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (upper part of the small intestine).

Your procedure is done using a medical device called an endoscope, which is a narrow, flexible tube containing lighting and a tiny video camera. As your doctor gently advances the scope through your mouth and into your digestive tract, the camera sends magnified images to a screen. This allows your doctor to see inflammation, growths, and other problems in the GI tract’s lining.

During an endoscopy, your doctor treats problems by inserting specialized surgical tools through the scope. For example, your doctor may take a biopsy, remove tumors, stop bleeding, or open a blocked esophagus.

Your doctor may recommend an endoscopy to diagnose the underlying cause of symptoms such as:

• Swallowing difficulties
• Heartburn
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Recurrent vomiting

A few of the most common conditions diagnosed during an endoscopy include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Gastric ulcer
• Esophageal varices
• Infections
• Hiatal hernia
• Celiac disease
• Esophageal strictures

Crohn’s disease affecting the upper GI tract can also be detected during an endoscopy.

Prior to the procedure, you may need to have a physical exam, blood tests or other kinds of tests. You will be instructed to not consume food or liquid for at least 8 hours prior to the procedure.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medication and supplements you are taking. If you have any allergies, are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Your healthcare provider will explain what happens during the procedure.

Your doctor will discuss any risks or complications that may happen. You will be provided with a consent form by your doctor. Read the form carefully and do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

You should discuss your medical history with your Triborough GI doctor including any medical conditions, allergies and all the medication that you take (over-the-counter medicine, vitamins and supplements) including:

• Blood thinners
• NSAIDs
• Arthritis medication
• Blood pressure medication
• Aspirin
• Diabetes medication

Your GI tract must be empty for your doctor to get a good view of the tissues, so you shouldn’t eat for eight hours before your procedure. You’ll also need to stop taking some medications prior to your endoscopy. However, you’ll receive detailed instructions when your procedure is scheduled.

You’ll receive intravenous sedation to help you relax, and your doctor applies numbing medication to the back of your throat, but you’ll be awake during the procedure. You may feel pressure as the scope travels through your GI tract. Most patients, however, are comfortable throughout the process.

An endoscopy takes 20 minutes or less, depending on whether any treatments are performed. After staying in recovery for a short time, you’ll be able to go home and relax for the rest of the day.

After the endoscopy, you will need to rest for approximately an hour in order for the sedation to wear off. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home as the sedation medication takes a while to leave your system.

If you had a biopsy, the results will usually be ready within the week. Please call your Triborough GI doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Vomiting blood
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Black, bloody or tarry stool
• Fever
• Difficulty swallowing

Risks of complications from an endoscopy are extremely low as an endoscopy is considered a safe procedure. Complications may include:

• Perforation in the lining of your GI tract
• Bleeding from where the doctor took a sample of tissue or removed a polyp
• Uncommon reaction to the sedative such as difficulty breathing or heart problems

If you have questions about an upcoming endoscopy, or you need to schedule an appointment, call Triborough GI or book an appointment online.

Triborough GI has the top NYC gastroenterologists in Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx. Our doctors provide only the most specialized and extensive care. Our motto is that the patient’s care comes first! Highly reputable and top rated in NYC, our gastroenterologists will thoroughly examine, diagnose and treat you in any way they can.

Schedule an appointment at (718) 332-0600 today with one of our Triborough GI doctors at our Brooklyn, Staten Island or Bronx locations for any questions or concerns you haver regarding your Endoscopy procedure.