Endoscopy (cont.)
What can I expect during endoscopy?
It is most likely that before the procedure the doctor will discuss
with the patient why the procedure is being done, whether there are alternative
procedures or tests, and what possible complications may
result from the endoscopy. Practices vary amongst physicians but the patient
may have the throat sprayed with a numbing solution and will
probably be given a sedating and pain alleviating medication through
the vein. While lying on your left side the flexible endoscope, the
thickness of a small finger, is passed through the mouth into the
esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This procedure will NOT interfere
with your breathing. Most patients experience only minimal
discomfort during the test and many sleep throughout the entire
procedure.
What happens after the endoscopy?
After the test
the patient will be observed and monitored by a qualified
individual in the endoscopy or a recovery area until a significant
portion of the medication has worn off. Occasionally a patient is
left with a mild sore throat, which promptly responds to saline
gargles, or a feeling of distention from the insufflated air that was
used during the procedure. Both problems are mild and transient. When
fully recovered the patient will be instructed when to resume their usual diet
(probably within a few hours) and the patient's driver will be allowed to
take you home. (Because of the use of sedation, most facilities
mandate that the patient be taken by a driver and not drive, handle
machinery, or make important decisions for the remainder of the day.)
When do I get the results of the endoscopy?
Under most circumstances the examining physician will inform
the patient of
the test results or the probable findings prior to discharge
from the recovery area. The results of biopsies or cytology usually
take 72-96 hours and the doctor may only give the patient a presumptive
diagnosis pending the definitive one, after the microscopic
examination.
Next: What are the risks of endoscopy? »
- fentanyl-injection, Sublimaze - Consumer information about the medication FENTANYL - INJECTION (Sublimaze), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug FENTANYL - INJECTION.
- Upper GI Series (Barium Swallow) - An upper gastrointestinal GI series, or barium swallow is a test used in assisting in the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal diseases or conditions such as ulcers, tumors, hiatal hernias, scarring, blockages, and abnormalities of the muscular wall of the GI tract.
- Abdominal Pain - Learn about abdominal pain (pain in the stomach / abdomen) including causes, symptoms, how abdominal pain is diagnosed, and how abdominal pain is treated.
Latest Medical News
Digestion RSS