7 Common Gastroenterologist Procedures and What They Entail: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you scheduled to see a gastroenterologist soon? Knowing what to expect can make you feel more at ease. Here, we’ll break down the most common procedures a gastroenterologist performs and what each one entails.
1. Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a long, thin tube with a camera to examine your colon. It’s used to check for colon cancer, polyps, and other abnormalities. During the procedure, your doctor may remove any polyps found and take a biopsy of any abnormal tissue. You will be sedated during the procedure and should plan to take the day off work to rest afterward.
2. Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy is also known as an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy). It’s a procedure that uses a long, thin tube with a camera to examine your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). It’s commonly used to diagnose acid reflux, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal issues. During the procedure, your doctor may take a biopsy of any abnormal tissue. You will be sedated during the procedure and should also plan to take the day off work to rest afterward.
3. Capsule Endoscopy
A capsule endoscopy is a procedure where you swallow a tiny camera that takes pictures of your digestive tract as it moves through your body. It’s used to diagnose conditions such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and tumors. You will need to abstain from eating and drinking for at least 12 hours before the procedure and will need to wear a recorder to capture the images taken by the camera.
4. Sigmoidoscopy
A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that examines the lower part of your colon using a flexible tube with a camera. It’s used to diagnose conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and polyps. During the procedure, your doctor may take a biopsy of any abnormal tissue. You may be given a laxative to help clean out your bowels before the procedure, and you should plan to take the day off work to rest afterward.
5. Endoscopic Ultrasound
An endoscopic ultrasound is a procedure where a special endoscope is used to look at the lining of your gastrointestinal tract and measure the depth of tumors. It’s commonly used to diagnose pancreatic cancer, bile duct cancer, and other gastrointestinal cancers. You will be sedated during the procedure, and you should plan to take the day off work to rest afterward.
6. Bravo pH Monitoring
A Bravo pH monitoring test measures the pH levels in your esophagus to diagnose acid reflux. During the procedure, your doctor will insert a small capsule into your esophagus that measures the levels of acidity. The capsule is then removed after 48 hours. You will be able to eat and drink normally during the procedure and can return to work afterward.
7. ERCP
An ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is a procedure where an endoscope is used to look at your bile and pancreatic ducts. It’s used to diagnose conditions such as bile duct stones and pancreatic cancer. During the procedure, your doctor may remove any stones found or take a biopsy of any abnormal tissue. You will be sedated during the procedure and should plan to take the day off work to rest afterward.
Conclusion
Knowing what to expect from these common gastroenterologist procedures can help you prepare and alleviate any fears you may have. If you have any questions or concerns before or after a procedure, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor. Remember, early detection is key to managing gastrointestinal issues, so don’t delay any necessary screenings or treatments.
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