If you have problems like difficulty swallowing or frequent vomiting, you might need an endoscopy to determine the source of your issue and diagnose your condition. At Hampshire Gastroenterology Associates, LLC in Florence, Massachusetts, the team of board-certified gastroenterologists offers compassionate care in a state-of-the-art setting. Call the office for help now.
An endoscopy, also called upper endoscopy, is a procedure that the Hampshire Gastroenterology, LLC team uses to view your upper digestive tract (mouth, esophagus, stomach, and start of the small intestine).
Usually, that involves inserting an endoscope — a long flexible tube — down your throat and through the digestive tract, stopping at the top of the small intestine. Before an endoscopy, you’ll receive sedation and medication to numb your throat.
A miniature camera at the end of the endoscope provides a detailed image of your digestive tract on a nearby monitor, where your provider examines it closely.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specific type of endoscopy that checks your pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts to diagnose problems and conditions in those areas.
An alternative procedure, video capsule endoscopy, may be a good option in some cases. Video capsule endoscopy is a completely noninvasive procedure in which you swallow a pill-sized camera that takes images of your digestive system.
You might need an endoscopy for reasons such as:
An endoscopy effectively diagnoses many digestive tract diseases and disorders, such as celiac disease, Barrett’s esophagus, and chronic acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD).
If you have unexplained digestive symptoms, like trouble swallowing, a lump-in-throat sensation, frequent vomiting, or blood in your vomit, you may need an endoscopy to find the reason for those issues.
A biopsy involves removing small sections of tissue for testing. Many endoscopy procedures include biopsy using traditional methods, the state-of-the-art Wide-Area Transepithelial Tissue Sampling with computer-assisted 3D analysis (WATS3D), or both.
If your Hampshire Gastroenterology Associates, LLC provider discovers a problem during the procedure, they can often insert special slender tools through the hollow endoscope to perform treatments like stretching the esophagus,
Your provider explains the reasons for your endoscopy and what types of endoscopic treatment you could need ahead of your procedure.
Before your endoscopy, you must fast (no food or liquids) for eight hours or longer. That allows for a clear view of your digestive tract during the procedure.
If you’re currently taking any medications, your Hampshire Gastroenterology, LLC provider gives you specific directions for taking your medications before endoscopy.
After your endoscopy, you’ll remain in the office for a short time until you’re alert. Because sedation causes drowsiness, a loved one or friend must drive you home after the procedure. You’ll likely experience throat soreness and difficulty swallowing for a day or two, so stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods.
Schedule your upper endoscopy by calling Hampshire Gastroenterology Associates, LLC.