Who Needs an Endoscopy?

Your gastroenterologist may advise having an endoscopy for various reasons. Using this quick technique, the doctor can view the lining and walls of the whole GI tract, from the esophagus and stomach to the intestines and the rectum.

For nearly 40 years, digestive specialist Dr. Vikram S. Jayanty has provided exceptional care in diagnosing and treating digestive system conditions. If you’re having digestive issues, your gastroenterologist can perform an endoscopy to diagnose and even treat diseases of the colon, intestines, and stomach.

Endoscopy overview

An endoscopy involves inserting a tiny, flexible tube with a camera attached to the end called an endoscope and maneuvering it through the body to examine the intestinal tract. Dr. Jayanty can inspect the lining and check for lesions, bleeds, and other issues.

Sometimes an endoscopy is combined with another procedure, like an ultrasound. The endoscope may be fitted with an ultrasound probe to produce images of the esophageal or stomach wall.

Images of difficult-to-see organs, like your pancreas, may also be produced with the aid of an endoscopic ultrasound. High-definition video is used by more recent endoscopes to produce clearer images.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a common type of endoscopy that enables doctors to examine the colon and rectum to screen for colon cancer, precancerous growths, and other problems. It’s recommended that patients with average risk begin screening at the age of 45.

You should screen earlier if you have an increased risk of colon cancer, such as a family history of colon cancer or a personal history of polyps.

Upper endoscopy

An upper endoscopy helps to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions that affect the upper part of the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Gastroenterologists use upper endoscopy to diagnose conditions such as:

  • Celiac disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Acid reflux

Sometimes an upper endoscopy is used to treat specific issues. The endoscope can be used to insert specialized tools to treat digestive problems. For instance, an endoscopy can be used to clip off a polyp, remove a foreign object, widen a narrow esophagus, or seal a bleeding vessel.

What can an endoscopy reveal?

Your gastroenterologist examines your intestinal tract for abnormalities depending on your medical history and your specific symptoms. Dr. Jayanty checks for growths, bleeding, inflammation, and other issues.

Who needs an endoscopy?

An endoscopy can help detect the source of the problem if you’re experiencing:

  • Unexplained abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Blood in stool
  • Frequent bowel movements
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent heartburn

This isn’t an exhaustive list of symptoms. Dr. Jayanty will discuss your specific case and make the appropriate recommendations for performing diagnostic tests at your consultation.

You may feel a bit gassy after an endoscopy but are otherwise able to return to your regular activities. Dr. Jayanty will go over specifics on how to prepare for an endoscopy. Preparation is especially important for a colonoscopy, as the intestines must be free of food debris so the doctor can see the lining clearly.

Avoid delaying treatment if you’ve been advised that you require an endoscopy or if you’re exhibiting any digestive symptoms. Give our Houston, Texas, office a call to schedule a visit with Dr. Jayanty.

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