Live Life Team
Endoscopy involves using an endoscope to examine the inside of the body, in order to diagnose any condition and to arrive at the best way to treat it. Endoscope is a slim and long flexible tube that has a camera attached to it with a light as well. It scans images inside the body and sends them out to a monitor.
Therapeutic Endoscopy of the stomach is when the endoscope is passed into the intestinal cavity, and instruments are then sent down through it to treat problems related to the upper gastro-intestine. The parts coming under this are the oesophagus, the duodenum and the stomach.
The reason why the therapeutic Endoscopy is conducted is to impede the bleeding in the stomach that may be caused by ulcers or varices. Other reason can be due to gastric varices, difficulties in swallowing solids, or problems in the gullet of the stomach due to scarring and oesophageal cancers.
What is oesophagal varice
Oesophagal varices are a type of dilation of the veins situated inside the oesophagus lining. These are generally associated with liver disorders, for example cirrhosis. They are very fragile and cause bleeding very easily.
Why is therapeutic Endoscopy needed
In cases where a person shows signs that internal bleeding might be occurring. Symptoms that will lead to an Endoscopy of the stomach are: traces of blood in vomit, pale colouration, feeling very faint, tar-like black substances in stools. Sometimes this treatment may be carried out for conditions like an oesophagal stricture or even cancer.
Preparation for the treatment
For about 6 hours before the treatment is scheduled to take place, the patient will be told not to drink or eat anything, as the stomach must be empty while performing the Endoscopy. Also, in case the Endoscopy is carried out unconsciously, then this prevents food particles being breathed into the lungs.
How the treatment is performed
The operation is done normally inside a specialised Endoscopy room in a hospital, but at times it is carried out even in the operation theatre. The patient is put under a conscious sedative, meaning that they will remain sedated, but will be conscious enough to respond to any instructions given. The entire procedure takes approximately twenty to forty minutes.
In case if the patient has an ulcer that is bleeding, and the Endoscopy is for treating it, then the procedure done is as follows: –
The probe sent in through the endoscope puts in small clip-like structures or applies heat, which helps in reducing the bleeding, and a dose of adrenalin is given to the patient.
After the treatment
If the procedure was done to treat an ulcer bleed or a cancer, then staying over at the hospital for a few days after the operation is advised. Solid foods can be taken generally after 24 to 48 hours of the operation. In some cases the patient might need to be on a liquid diet for few days, to ensure that the bleeding does not recur.
