Some digestive problems are severe and may cause complications, including death when left untreated. Most digestive issues are common in our daily lives, such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. You may find relief from these problems without medical intervention; however, when the symptoms are consistent for some period, it’s good you consider medical help. There are helpful treatments for gastrointestinal problems, including endoscopy in Houston. A comprehensive diagnosis is essential to rule out the conditions behind your symptoms. Read on to learn more about endoscopy, how it works, and the conditions it treats.
What is endoscopy?
It involves various minimally invasive techniques to treat and examine digestive problems. The procedure involves using an endoscope, a long tube with a tiny camera on its end. The endoscope passes through the mouth or anus into your body.
Your provider uses a monitor to examine your digestive tract. In addition to the examination, your provider may also treat some digestive problems using endoscopy.
At Vikram S Jayanty, M.D., there is a fully equipped and operational endoscopy chamber, where Dr. Jayanty performs various endoscopic procedures.
What are the different types of endoscopy?
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
EGD is also known as upper endoscopy or gastroscopy. It is an endoscopy procedure to review your esophagus and stomach.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
It’s an upper endoscopy procedure with X-rays.
Endoscopic ultrasound
It involves combining an endoscopic procedure with an ultrasound.
Capsule endoscopy
This type of endoscopy involves swallowing a pill that contains a tiny camera. The capsule records images as it moves down your body. Your provider uses the images to analyze and identify problems.
Gastroscopy
It’s an endoscopy procedure to review your stomach, esophagus, and the starting part of your small intestine.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy (PEG)
Your provider inserts a feeding tube in your stomach using endoscopic visual guidance. The tube goes all the way to your abdominal wall, allowing food to settle in your stomach. It’s efficient when you can’t take your food by mouth.
Colonoscopy
It’s an endoscopic procedure to examine the colon and rectum. Colonoscopy is used in colorectal cancer screening.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
It’s almost similar to colonoscopy. It reviews the rectum and the lower part of the colon only.
There are other available forms of endoscopy, and your provider at Vikram S Jayanty, M.D. uses the endoscopic procedure that will cater to your needs.
Reasons you may need an endoscopy?
You may require an endoscopy to analyze the following digestive symptoms.
- Heartburn
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Swallowing problems
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in stool
- Acid reflux
- Bowel urgency
- Bowel habit changes
- Upper GI tract bleeding
Most endoscopic procedures are helpful in diagnosis. Endoscopy may also provide treatments, such as removing abnormal growths, for example, polyps.
Colonoscopy is among the most common endoscopic procedure. It plays a vital role in colorectal cancer screening and lowering its risk factors. It helps detect any abnormal tissue growth before developing into cancer.
Various digestive issues should go away soon enough. When they persist, you must seek the necessary medical care. Dr. Jayanty offers several endoscopic procedures to examine and treat your gastrointestinal issues. Talk to Vikram S. Jayanty M.D. today to schedule your consultation.