Upper digestive endoscopy

Alternative names

Esophagogastroscopy. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Definition

Diagnostic technique that allows direct visualization of the interior of the upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach and duodenum) through the use of an endoscope.

The endoscope is a flexible probe that is associated with a video camera and that is connected to a monitor and / or a computer on which the images obtained during the study are projected or saved.

How is the study done?

The digestive endoscopy is performed in the Radiology Unit of the medical center or hospital by the doctor or qualified personnel.

Before the test, the dental prostheses will be removed.

The patient will lie on a table on the left side during the study. A dental guard will be placed through which the endoscope will be passed little by little until it reaches the duodenum. During the study, secretions (aspirate) or tissues (biopsy) can be taken if necessary.

The study usually lasts 15 minutes.

Preparation for the study

The study does not require prior preparation by the patient, except to avoid drinking liquids and solids 8 hours before the study.

You should avoid the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and exciting substances such as caffeine 48-72 hours before the study.

You should avoid, as far as possible, taking medications, especially anti-inflammatories, aspirin and oral or subcutaneous anticoagulants, 48-72 hours before the study.

What does it feel like during and after the study?

The study is unpleasant but not painful for the patient.

During the examination, nausea and occasionally vomiting may occur when the endoscope is inserted. Local anesthetics can be administered to minimize this discomfort.

After the examination, the patient may notice slight discomfort in the throat or slight bleeding that disappears in a short time.

Study risks

• Sickness
• Vomiting
• Oral mucosa injury
• Aphonia due to irritation of the larynx or vocal cords
• Local or generalized infection due to the passage of germs
• Mild to moderate bleeding
• Digestive tract perforation (exceptional)

Contraindications

The patient should consult with his doctor before carrying out the study in case of:

• Pregnancy
• Taking medication, especially oral or subcutaneous anticoagulant.
• Previous underlying disease, especially cardiac, pulmonary or coagulation disorders.

Reasons why the study is done

Digestive endoscopy is a safe test widely used in the field of Medicine.

It is used as a diagnostic and treatment tool.

At a diagnostic level, it allows detecting and / or ruling out inflammatory or infectious lesions of the digestive mucosa, benign tumor lesions (such as polyps) or malignant tumor lesions such as (ulcers, carcinomas), etc.

At a therapeutic level, it allows taking biopsies, removing lesions (such as polyps), dilating stenosis, sclerosing varicose veins, and so on.