Endoscopy

What is an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure performed by a gastroenterologist such as Dr. Finkel in which a long tube tipped with a camera, called an endoscope, is inserted in your mouth to view your digestive tract.

When do I need an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is done to diagnose or treat an illness to your upper digestive tract. This can be done for a variety of reasons. Dr. Finkel may want to get to the bottom of symptoms like chronic nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or stomach bleeding.

He may also want to take a biopsy, or a small tissue sample, to test in the lab for a variety of diseases. This can help diagnose the cause of gastrointestinal problems. Many modern endoscopes are equipped to look for precancerous conditions as well, such as Barrett’s esophagus.

Dr. Finkel can also pass a small tool through the endoscope, allowing for the removal of polyps or foreign objects from your esophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine.

Sometimes Dr. Finkel may recommend other procedures like an ultrasound alongside your endoscopy to get a clearer picture of what’s inside your stomach.

How do I prepare for an endoscopy?

Make sure you tell Dr. Finkel about any medications you’re taking, and make sure to notify him of any health conditions you have like heart disease or high blood pressure.

You should refrain from eating or drinking anything but water in the eight hours leading up to your endoscopy, just to make sure your stomach is empty.

Most people who get an endoscopy take a mild sedative to make them more comfortable during the procedure. Even though you can go home after your procedure, you should allow yourself 24 hours to recuperate from the effects of this medication, and make sure you have a ride home.

What happens during an endoscopy?

To begin, you lie down on a table while Dr. Finkel attaches monitors to your body to keep track of your breathing and heart rate during the procedure. Then, a mild sedative, and sometimes an oral spray anesthetic, is used to make sure you’re comfortable.

When you’re ready, Dr. Finkel slides the endoscope into your mouth and down your esophagus. While you’ll be unable to talk with the endoscope in your mouth, it doesn’t interfere with your breathing and you’ll still be able to make noises to communicate if necessary.

Dr. Finkel then inspects your digestive tract, sometimes inflating it with small amounts of air to move to be able to move the endoscope more freely. This may cause a feeling of pressure, but is nothing to worry about. If he sees anything to remove or biopsy, he will do so, and usually, the procedure is over within 30 minutes.

If you would like to schedule an endoscopy or have any questions about the procedure, call NY Gastroenterology & Digestive Disorders or schedule an appointment online today.