High gastrointestinal endoscopy is a test in which a small endoscopic tube is inserted through the mouth to the stomach, to look at organ walls such as the esophagus, stomach and bowel onset, because it is a test used to try to identify the cause of abdominal discomfort that has been present for a long time and includes symptoms such as nausea , vomiting, burns, which reflect difficulty swallowing.
Diseases that could be identified by endoscopy include:
- In addition.
- During endoscopy.
- A biopsy may also be obtained.
- In which a small piece of the organ is removed and sent for laboratory testing.
- Helping to diagnose more serious problems such as an H infection.
- Pylori or cancer.
- See symptoms of stomach cancer and how to identify a possible H infection.
- Pylori.
Test preparation involves taking a period of at least 8 hours and not using antacids such as ranitidine and omeprazole, as they interfere with the test.
It is permissible to drink water up to 4 hours before the test, if other medicines need to be taken, using only small sips of water to help, preventing the stomach from filling up with fluid.
During the examination, the person usually lies on their side and anesthesia is placed in the throat, to decrease the sensitivity of the area and facilitate the passage of the endoscope, due to the use of anesthesia during the examination, in some cases it is possible that sedatives can used to allow the patient to relax and sleep.
A small plastic object is placed in your mouth to keep it open throughout the procedure, to facilitate the endoscope stage and improve visualization, during the procedure your doctor releases air through the device and, after a few minutes, may give the impression that the stomach is full.
Images obtained during the exam may be recorded and during the same procedure, your doctor may remove the polyps, collect biopsy equipment, or apply medications to the area.
The test usually lasts 5 to 30 minutes, but it is generally recommended that the person stay in the clinic for observation for 30 to 60 minutes, until the effects of anesthesia disappear.
It is common for the throat to feel a little asleep, due to the endoscope, as well as feeling flat in the stomach, due to the air that was released into the stomach during the exam.
In cases where sedatives have been used, it is advisable not to handle or use heavy machinery for the rest of the day, as the medication reduces body reflexes.
Complications associated with this test are rare and occur primarily during larger procedures, such as when polyps are removed.
Complications are usually due to allergies to drugs used and problems in the lungs or heart, as well as the appearance of perforation of certain internal organs and bleeding.
Due to symptoms, symptoms of fatigue, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, vomiting or the need for dark red blood are necessary if a hospital emergency is needed to assess complications from endoscopy.