If you’re dealing with ongoing digestive issues, we understand how disruptive and frustrating these problems can be. Whether it’s persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or difficulty in swallowing, endoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis of digestive diseases. It is a safe minimally invasive method that guides treatment strategy and finding the main cause of all the symptoms.
What Exactly is an Endoscopy?
Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to view inside the digestive tract using a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might recommend either an upper endoscopy or a colonoscopy:
- Upper Endoscopy: This procedure involves gently guiding the endoscope through your mouth and down your esophagus, allowing your doctor to examine your esophagus, stomach, and part of the small intestine. It’s particularly useful for identifying disorders like gastritis, ulcers, and problems with swallowing.
- Colonoscopy: If your symptoms suggest disorders in the large intestines, a colonoscopy is recommended. The endoscope through the anus to examine the colon. It is usually done to check for polyp growth and early colon cancer.
When Should You Consider an Endoscopy?
Here are some common reasons why doctors recommend this procedure:
- Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bleeding in the digestive tract
- Unexplained changes in bowel movements or habits
- Suspicion of ulcers, polyps, or growths in the colon
- Difficulty swallowing
- Gastritis or inflammation of the stomach lining
- Unexplained weight loss for age > 45
An endoscopy can provide critical information that aids the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan. During endoscopy, therapeutic procedure can also be done such as polypectomy or control of bleeding.
What to Expect During Your Endoscopy at Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center?
If you’re having second thought about getting an endoscopy, knowing what to expect can help ease your concerns. Before an upper endoscopy, you’ll be asked to fast for a few hours. For a colonoscopy, you must follow a bowel preparation regimen, including laxatives, to clear your digestive tract.
On the day of the procedure, you’ll be given a sedative to help you relax. Most patients are in a light sleep during the procedure, though some may receive general anesthesia to be completely sedated. The entire process is typically quick and painless, with minimal discomfort afterward.
Why Choose Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center for Your Endoscopy?
At the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, we offer high-quality, compassionate healthcare. Our team is composed of highly skilled physicians that specialized in diagnosing and treating complex disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, bile ducts, and pancreas. With state-of-the-art facilities and a multidisciplinary approach that includes endoscopists, surgeons, oncologists, and more, we ensure you receive comprehensive care tailored to your needs.
If you’re struggling with digestive disorders and thought of having an endoscopy, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you on your journey to better health, providing the answers you need with the care you deserve.
Call for an appointment now! Reach us at (02) 8711 4141 locals 1108, 1109, or 297.
