An endoscopy is a diagnostic tool that enables the expert gastroenterologist at Stomach Pain NY in Midtown East, New York City, to view your esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. An endoscopy can help in the diagnosis of your stomach condition, and in some cases, treat certain conditions without the need for surgery. Call Stomach Pain NY today to find out more, or schedule an appointment using the online booking form.
Endoscopy
What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a procedure that allows your provider at Stomach Pain NY to get a clear picture of your digestive tract without you having to undergo surgery.
An endoscope is a slim, flexible tube that has a light and a tiny camera at the end, which relays images back to a monitor screen. The endoscope goes into your mouth and passes down your throat, sending back pictures of your esophagus, stomach, and the start of your small intestine.
The information from the images sent back by the endoscope helps your provider at Stomach Pain NY to diagnose what’s causing your symptoms.
Why would I need an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a diagnostic tool, so you might need to undergo the procedure if you have symptoms such as:
- Upper abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bleeding in the digestive tract
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
- Nausea
- Persistent vomiting
- Acid reflux or heartburn
During the endoscopy, your provider can take tissue samples for laboratory analysis, and in some cases use surgical instruments that fit down the endoscope to carry out treatments, such as stopping a stomach ulcer from bleeding.
What happens during an endoscopy?
You need to have an empty stomach before undergoing an endoscopy, so you have to fast the day before you go into Stomach Pain NY. You shouldn’t need an anesthetic, just a sedative to make you feel relaxed and sleepy so your provider can pass the endoscope down your throat without making you uncomfortable.
You probably won’t be aware of what’s happening during the endoscopy because of the sedative, and many patients find they don’t remember having the procedure when the medication wears off.
It typically takes about an hour for the sedative to wear off, and then your provider can discuss what they found during the endoscopy and any treatment you might need. You can go home after your endoscopy, but you shouldn’t drive until the next day.
If you need to undergo an endoscopy, Stomach Pain NY is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and has caring, expert medical staff who have considerable experience in carrying out endoscopies. Call Stomach Pain NY today to schedule a consultation, or book an appointment online.