(مرکز آموزشی و درمانی ولیعصر (عج

 
WHAT IT IS?
UPPER ENDOSCOPY (EGD, Gastroscopy) is a test that allows the doctor to look at the lining of your swollowing tube (esophagus) the stomach an the first part of the small gut (intestine). This is done by using a flexable tube about the size of your little finger which is placed through your mouth and into the stomach. With this tube, several instruments can be passed through the tube which would allow your doctor to treat many problems which may or may not be present. Among these, are treatment of polyps, treatment of bleeding. The safe and effective control of bleeding may reduce the need for transfusions.
WHY DO I Need This?
This test is done to find out what is causing your symptoms. If you have upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulity swallowing or heartburn, the best way to find out what is causing it is to actually take a look. This is especially true if you have been vomiting blood. Additionally this test may be used to detect early cancer. By taking a look, your doctor can distinguish between cancer and other diseases by taking a small sample of tissue from you and sending it to the laboratory for additional testing.
WHAT PREPARATION IS REQUIRED?
Most of the time before the test your stomach should be completely empth. This means that you can't have anything to eat or drink after midnight the evening before the procedure. This means that some of your medication may be adjusted or withheld. You will be given some sedatives by a vein which will make you very sleepy. Before starting your throad will be sprayed with some numbing medicine. You will be placed on your side as the procedure starts.
DURING THE UPPER ENDOSCOPY.
. The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing. Most patients fall asleep during the procedure. A few find it only slightly uncomfortable. The nurse will record your vital signs every five minutes. Additionally, you will have several heart monitor strips taken.
AFTER UPPER ENDOSCOPY
You will be monitored in the endoscopy area for 1-2 hours until the effects of the sedatives have worn off. Your throat may be a little sore for a day or two. You may feel bloated immediately after the procedure because of the air that is introduced into your stomach during the examination. You will be able to resume your diet and take your routine medication after you leave the endoscopy area, unless otherwise instructed. Your Gostroenterolgist will usually inform you of your test results on the day of the procedure, unless biopsy samples were taken. These results take several days to return. The effects of sedation may make you forget what you were told and you should call your Gostroenterolgist's office for follow-up or instructions, if you were not given any.
WHAT COMPLICATIONS CAN OCCUR?
Gastroscopy and biopsy are generally safe when performed by Gostroenterolgist who have had special training and are experienced in these endoscopic procedures. Complications are rare. However, they can occur and include bleeding from the site of a biopsy or polypectomy and a tear (perforation) through the lining of the intestinal wall. Blood transfusions are rarely required. A reaction to the sedatives can occur. Irritation to the vein that medications were given is uncommon, but may cause a tender lump lasting a few weeks. Warm, moist towels will help relieve this discomfort.
It is important for you to recognize the early signs of possible complications and to contact your Gostroenterolgist's if you notice symptoms of difficulty swallowing, worsening throat pain, chest pains, severe abdominal pain, fevers, chills or rectal bleeding of more than one-half cup.
 

 

What is colonoscopy? Colonoscopy is a special test that allows the physician to examine the lining of the colon (large bowel) for abnormal growths such as inflammation, polyps or cancer. With the use of a lighted, flexible colonoscope (tube), your physician will look into your colon. Biopsies of the lining of your intestine or removal of polyps may be performed. This is a well-tolerated procedure, and generally has few complications. If you have any questions after reading this information, please talk with your physician.

Who should have a colonoscopy? Your physician may recommend that you have a colonoscopy if you have:

• A change in bowel habits
• Rectal bleeding
• Unexpected abdominal pain
• Inflammatory bowel disease (colitis)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Polyps on screening flexible sigmoidoscopy or on a barium enema x-ray
• Anemia from unexplained blood loss
• Past history of colon polyps or colon cancer
• A strong family history of colon cancer

Some doctors also do a colonoscopy for routine screening after the age of 50 every five-ten years.

What preparation is required? The colon must be completely clean for the procedure to be accurate and complete. Your physician will give you detailed instructions regarding the dietary restrictions to be followed and the cleansing routine to be used. Most medications may be continued as usual, but some medications can interfere with the preparation or examination. Therefore, it is best to inform your physician of your current medications, as well as any allergies to medications, several days prior to the examination. A responsible adult should drive you to the examination and take you home, because most patients are given medications to help them relax. These medications can make you drowsy. Do not take any aspirin for ten (10) days before the procedure.

How is the procedure performed? We do colonoscopy in our office. We may start an IV and most likely you will receive medications to help you relax during the procedure. Your oxygen level will be monitored closely. During the colonoscopy your doctor will look through the colonoscope to see the lining of the bowel. If an abnormal area is found a small biopsy or representative specimen of that area will be taken. Also, polyps or growths may be removed during the colonoscopy.

What happens after colonoscopy? The examination usually takes less than one hour. After colonoscopy, your physician will explain the results to you. If you have been given medications during the procedure, you will be observed until most of the effects of sedation have worn off (for 30 minutes to 2 hours). You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure if you received medications. Your driver can expect to take you home about 2 hours or so after arrival. Do not drive anywhere yourself that day.

What are possible complications of colonoscopy? Although complications after colonoscopy are uncommon, it is important for you to recognize early signs of any possible complications. Contact the physician who performed the colonoscopy if you notice any of the following symptoms: severe abdominal pain, fever and chills, vomiting, or rectal bleeding of more than one-half cup. Bleeding can occur several days after removal of a polyp.

Other potential risks may include a perforation or tear through the bowel wall, a reaction to the sedatives used, and complications from heart or lung disease. Treatment for these generally involves hospital admission.

Your physician can discuss colonoscopy with you in greater detail if you have any questions whatsoever.

Your biopsy results will be available about 7-10 days after the procedure. Call if you haven’t heard from us within two weeks.

You should also have received a pamphlet explaining the procedure. If you haven’t, ask our receptionist for one.