Endoscopy

Endoscopy is commonly used to diagnose and treat various digestive problems. It can also be used to perform biopsies, remove polyps or foreign objects, and treat bleeding ulcers or blockages in the digestive system. At Southend Gastroenterology Associates, serving patients in Louisville, Kentucky, and around Southern Indiana, Sanjay Jain, MD, is an expert who has performed over 10,000 endoscopies over the years successfully. To learn more about an endoscopy procedure, call the office or schedule an appointment online today. 

What is an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a procedure that involves an endoscope, a long, thin tube with a camera at the end, to observe the inside of your body. It can help Dr. Jain monitor, diagnose, and treat a wide range of gastrointestinal problems. 

You are given general anesthesia for the procedure, which means you will be asleep the whole time and wake up only when your provider finishes the procedure.

An upper endoscopy (inner lining of upper digestive tract) allows him to get a closer look at your: 

• Esophagus 
• Stomach 
• Small intestine (duodenum)

However, a lower endoscopy, commonly known as  colonoscopy, involves having a closer look of the inner lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum.  

When do I need an endoscopy?

When you are suspected to have gastrointestinal tumors, infections, ulcers or colitis etc , you need endoscopy for further evaluation. Your doctor may recommend an endoscopy as the next step if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Swallowing problems 
• Heartburn 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting blood or passing blood in stool
• Change in bowel habits like diarrhea or constipation

Dr. Jain lets you know what to expect with each procedure and can answer any questions of concern that you may have. 

What can I expect during an endoscopy?

At Southend Gastroenterology Associates, you need a bit of preparation before you receive an endoscopy. Before the procedure, you will be given special instructions on how to prepare. This might include discontinuing certain medications, fasting for a period of time, and temporarily adjusting your normal routine.

Then, when you come in for your procedure, you will be given Propofol for anesthesia. You will not feel any pain. The endoscope will be inserted through your mouth (upper endoscopy) or anus (colonoscopy). 

Dr. Jain will then carefully examine the area being viewed with the endoscope. If necessary, he may also take biopsies or remove polyps. The procedure takes 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the procedure and complexity.

Once the procedure is complete, the endoscope will be removed, and you will be monitored for a short period of time. You may experience some mild discomfort, bloating, or throat irritation after the procedure. You will be given instructions on how to care for yourself post-procedure, including when you can resume normal activities and when to follow up with Dr. Jain. 

To learn more about endoscopic procedures, call Southend Gastroenterology Associates or schedule an appointment online today.