If you have digestive problems, you know just how frustrating a condition this can be. Getting to the bottom of your digestion issues is key to treating the underlying issues to ensure that you get back on your feet and your digestive problems are under control. One way to investigate digestive problems is with a non-invasive procedure called endoscopy. Find out more about endoscopy with Digestive Medicine Associates with locations in Hialeah, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, and Miami, FL.
What is endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a medical procedure which examines a person’s digestive tract. An upper endoscopy enters through the endoscope, a long, thin tube, is passed through the mouth and down the esophagus into the upper GI tract. A camera on the end of the endoscope allows your doctor to visually inspect the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. A lower endoscopy enters the body through the rectum into the large intestine and examines the lower GI tract. This is called a colonoscopy and is often used to detect pre-cancerous or cancerous polyps.
Why do I need an endoscopy?
Endoscopy investigates the symptoms of digestive problems or takes a biopsy of tissue. Some of the common reasons your doctor may suggest an endoscopy are:
- stomach pain
- bleeding in the digestive tract
- changes in bowel movements or habits
- ulcers
- polyps
- growths in colon
- gastritis
- difficulty swallowing
Endoscopy in Hialeah, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, and Miami
If your doctor recommends an endoscopy, you will need to prepare your stomach for the procedure beforehand. An upper endoscopy requires simply fasting before the procedure while a colonoscopy requires a series of laxatives. Your doctor will provide a sedative to help you relax and put you in a light sleep. In some situations, a general anesthesia puts patients completely to sleep during their procedure.
For more information on endoscopy, please contact your gastroenterologist at Digestive Medicine Associates with locations in Hialeah, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, and Miami, FL. Call (305) 822-4107 to schedule your appointment at any of the four Florida locations today!
