1- What is diagnostic endoscopy?
2- What does it consist of?
3- Why is it performed?
4- Preparation for diagnostic endoscopy.
5- What does it feel like during the examination?
6- Meaning of abnormal results
What is diagnostic endoscopy?
Diagnostic endoscopy is a type of study used to diagnose different disorders or pathologies. Thanks to this test we can observe the inside of the body and make an in-depth examination.
What does it consist of?
A tube-shaped instrument, called an endoscope, is introduced into the body to see the inside of the organs and make an accurate diagnosis. Normally, the endoscope is introduced through the mouth, after fasting for 8 hours and under anesthesia, but in some cases it is placed in the anus.
Why is it performed?
Diagnostic endoscopy is used to perform more concrete and specific diagnoses since the doctor can directly observe the inside of the body. It is performed to detect pathologies in the esophagus, stomach and intestines. An endoscopy can detect cancers, esophageal varices, ulcers and Barrett’s esophagus, among other diseases.
Preparation for diagnostic endoscopy
Depending on the route by which the endoscopy is to be performed, one preparation or another will be necessary. If it is performed by mouth, it is necessary for the patient to fast for 8 hours before the intervention, so that the digestive tract is free of food debris. On the other hand, if it is performed through the anus, the preparation is longer: the patient will have to clean the bowel with laxatives and strong enemas, in addition to fasting for 8 hours before the treatment.
What does the examination feel like?
Generally the patient does not feel any discomfort during the endoscopy because he/she is sedated, although in some cases it will not be necessary to apply anesthesia, since a small endoscope is introduced.
Upon awakening from anesthesia the patient may feel abdominal pain or gas.
Meaning of abnormal results
Bad results mean that the patient has a disease or should improve health habits.