Question 1

why do an endoscopy?

Accepted Answer

To screen for cancer: If you are referring to a colonoscopy, which is a lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, then they might find polyps (precancerous growths) or colon cancer. On the other end, there are upper endoscopes (egds) which look at the esophagus and stomach and first part of the small intestine and there could be cancers found there too.

Question 2

can i eat the day of endoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Afterward: You may eat  after you have recovered from sedation. I would avoid alcohol and spicy or acidic foods the first 24 hours.

Question 3

can i eat before the endoscopy?

Accepted Answer

No: You should not eat for 6 hours prior to an endoscopy.

Question 4

what are the steps of an endoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopy: Intake. Intravenous. Sedation. Procedure. Recovery. The procedure involves a mouthpiece being placed in your mouth to protect your teeth. The scope is then carefully inserted into the mouth and into the esophagus. It is then advanced into the stomach and duodenum. Biopsies or other therapies can be done during the procedure. It can take 5-10 minutes or longer. Some docs use a spray for the throat.

Question 5

how safe is an endoscopy procedure?

Accepted Answer

Very: Very safe procedure done thousands of times everyday.

Question 6

what can i expect from an endoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopy: Either upper endoscopy or colonoscopy are done under IV sedation. Once you are sedated, the scope is passed into the intended area. It usually lasts 15-20 minutes. The sedation is reversed and you awaken in recovery. Someone drives you home and you can eat.

Question 7

what is it like to have an endoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopy: I had one done once with a teaching endoscope. Normally you will be given medication that will relax you (and possibly sedate you) along with anesthetic sprayed on the back of the throat. In my case no med was used except anesthetic spray. I gagged a little bit but found it fascinating to look at my own stomach through the scope.  It really wasn't bad.

Question 8

can you explain what an endoscopy is?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopy: Endoscopy involves visualizing internal organs using a flexible tube. The tube is long and has a light source and camera to record pictures and visualize organs. In upper endoscopy, the scope is introduced through mouth and esophagus, stomach and small bowel is evaluated. In lower endoscopy, the colon and rectum ate evaluated.

Question 9

how safe is upper & lower endoscopy ?

Accepted Answer

Very safe: It is a very safe procedure, however it does have risks as it is an invasive procedure. Risks are.

Question 10

could an endoscopy detect that i smoke?

Accepted Answer

No: Endoscopy is meant to look at the anatomy of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (or the colon, using a different kind of scope).  Smoking may cause changes in the mucosal lining, including inflammation (gastritis, duodenitis, esophagitis) but these aren't specific to smoking. Smoking is 'detected' by history, smell of tobacco smoke on patients, and sometimes urine cotinine (nicotine's metabolite).

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