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Procedures in Gastroenterology You Can Expect

  • Writer: Dr. Joel Lavine
    Dr. Joel Lavine
  • Jul 29, 2022
  • 3 min read

A gastroenterologist is a doctor that specializes in digestive system disorders and problems. Symptoms might be localized to a particular organ or system, or they can be a symptom of a more systemic disease. These disorders are diagnosed and treated using surgical procedures, endoscopic methods, and imaging studies. Here are a handful of the most common procedures performed by gastroenterologists. Included on this list:


An endoscopic technique known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy uses a thin, flexible device to peer into the stomach and duodenum from above. It can identify gallbladder and liver disorders and assess bile duct pressure. An endoscopy may also be used to address fecal incontinence in some circumstances.


Special training and experience are needed to perform ERCP successfully. A pencil-thin tube is inserted into the mouth and duodenum during this surgery. Endoscopes are sent via this tube and into the pancreatic and bile ducts through a tiny illuminated plastic tube. The doctor next performs a dye injection to see whether there are any obstructions or abnormalities in these regions.


Upper endoscopy is another treatment in gastroenterology. This method may diagnose upper digestive system disorders quickly and accurately. A camera is affixed to the end of the physician's thin, flexible tube. A display receives images from the endoscope. The photographs taken can aid in diagnosing the patient or their ailment. In some instances, an air puff is utilized to let the endoscope move more freely and to make the digestive folds more visible.


Endoscopy involves inserting a flexible tube via the mouth. With an endoscope, the doctor looks within the patient's digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube that is tiny enough to be inserted into the mouth or back of the neck, depending on your preference. It is possible to take a biopsy during an endoscopy.


Additionally, colonoscopy is a widespread technique. Gut problems can be diagnosed using this initial step in interpreting them. The physician may observe the lining of the colon and any abnormal growths or illnesses that may exist there. This surgery is generally suggested for patients over fifty or if symptoms persist. Colon polyps are a regular occurrence. During the surgery, a polyp will be removed. The presence of malignancy can be detected using this approach.


An upper endoscopy begins with sedation of the patient. The anesthesiologist will talk to the patient about all the details of anesthesia. It might take up to 90 minutes to complete the process. The patient will be in pain for up to 90 minutes after the procedure, and the recuperation time will be between 60 and 90 minutes. Driving will be permitted for the patient after the process. If a patient can't go home on their own, they should make arrangements with a friend or family member who can.


Using an endoscope, a doctor may examine the inside of the body and determine what is wrong. It provides several advantages and removes the need for surgical intervention. They are given moderate to heavy anesthesia before the treatment to guarantee the patient's safety. Surgery allows the doctor to look at things like polyps, inflamed lesions, and visible blood vessels. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a second test that looks for problems in the upper part of the digestive tract. In addition, the gastroenterologist may perform a biopsy or treat obstructions and strictures in the gastrointestinal tract.


In gastroenterology, capsule endoscopy is a novel method. A capsule the size of a vitamin contains a small camera for this process. It sends images to a recorder on a belt. Capsule endoscopy is more detailed than a regular upper GI series X-ray, and it lets the gastroenterologist see parts of the body that are hard to see with a standard X-ray.

 
 
 

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© 2022 by Dr. Joel Lavine

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