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The diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases and disorders can be done by inserting a flexible fiber optic tube with a light and tiny TV camera at the end called an endoscope in order to assess any abnormality in the digestive system. The endoscope can be used to view the esophagus, stomach, large intestine, rectum, etc.
Who should undergo a Gastrointestinal Endoscopy exam?
Those who have one or more the following symptoms should under go a Gastrointestinal Endoscopy exam:
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Frequent stomachache that comes and goes |
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Frequent bloating, gas, and indigestion |
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Ulcers in the stomach |
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Bleeding in the digestive system |
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Stool is black or is mixed with blood |
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Constipation, diarrhea, or both (alternating) |
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Over 50 years old |
Endoscopy to diagnose digestive system (gastrointestinal) cancer
Using an endoscope to examine the digestive tract will assist in the diagnosis of the early stages of gastrointestinal diseases, especially digestive system cancer. Statistics reveals that South East Asians, especially Japanese, have a higher incident of digestive system cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer than any other regions in the world.
An endoscope can provide a more accurate diagnosis than "dye" ingestion and X-ray technique because the result of the latter technique may not be able to clearly show the abnormality when symptoms are only superficial. However, an endoscope can reveal any abnormality in details because the attached camera can enlarge the image inside the digestive tract and can even cut a tissue sample to search for cancer cells. Therefore, it is considered to be the best approach for early detection of digestive system cancer before the cancerous tumor becomes large or spread to other organs. Early and accurate diagnosis leads to early and appropriate treatment, which increases the likelihood of a permanent cure.
When should a Gastrointestinal Endoscopy exam be conducted?
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When symptoms indicate that there may be a problem or a disease in the esophagus, stomach, duodenum or large intestine. |
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When close relatives in the same family has a history of digestive system cancer (should have at least 2 exams a year, even when there are no symptoms). |
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When patient is over 50 years old |
Preparing for the exam:
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Patient must refrain from eating and drinking at least 6 hours prior to the exam. |
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Patient must inform the physician of any diseases or conditions that you have, such as allergies, asthma, heart disease, and history of allergies to specific medicine and seafood. |
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Physician will administer medicine so that you can sleep through the procedure without feeling any pain. |
During the exam:
Once you are asleep, the physician will insert a flexible fiber optic tube with a light and tiny TV camera at the end called an endoscope through the esophagus and the stomach in order to view the movement and abnormality of the esophagus, wall and mucus lining of the stomach, and duodenum.
For the large intestine, an endoscope can also be inserted through the rectum in order to view any abnormality of the walls and lining of the large intestine, its contraction all the way to the point which the large and small intestine meets (ileo - cecal valve).
After the exam:
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Patient will not feel any pain, but must remain in the recovery room for about 2 hours after the exam. |
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Patient should bring a relative or close friend along so that they can bring the patient home. Patient should not drive home from the hospital after the exam. | |
