In recent era acid related problems have increased many folds. In my Gastorentrology Clinic at Digestive Diseases Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India, 60 percent of patients come because of acid related problems – call it modern day curse or stress related issues. Acid related problems present with symptoms like burning in lower chest/ tummy, vomiting, bloating, belching, sour reflux, pain in abdomen or sometimes even blood vomiting. There are many tests to diagnose peptic ulcer or acid peptic disease of which the most reliable and most frequently performed test is an upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy or Upper GI endoscopy.
What is Endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a procedure in which we evaluate gastrointestinal organs. A flexible tube called endoscope with image transmitting system using lens and camera is passed down the food pipe under magnified vision. This allows the gastroenterologist to have the best direct vision of the abnormality.
There are two basic type of endoscopies:
- OGD scopy or Gastroscopy or UGI endoscopy – used for acid peptic diseases and esophagus (food pipe) stomach, upper intestine evaluation
- Colonoscopy- is used for diagnosing lower intestine (colon) or rectal problems
Endoscopes used for both are separate and one can not be used interchangeably. Endoscope is properly disinfected after every procedure. It is cleaned properly and kept in disinfectant for 20 minutes post procedure to prevent transmission of infection from one patient to other.
What is the equipment used in UGI Endoscopy?
Endoscopy unit consists of Endoscope , Processor and monitor. The Diameter of scope is 8.5 to 9.5mm. Endoscope has air and water channel to distend the gastrointestinal tract and clean the lens for proper and complete visualization. It also has a suction channel to suck out fluid from gastrointestinal tract and facilitate for complete visualization.
We can carry out diagnostic endoscopy as well as various therapeutic (treatment) endoscopy procedures with the help of endoscopes.
How is Upper Gastro-Intestinal Endoscopy (UGI Endoscopy) done?
UGI endoscopy is also known as gastroscopy or OGD scopy. Gastroscopy procedure takes about 15 to 20 mins. A local anesthetic spray is given before the procedure to numb the throat and it allows smooth passage of endoscope. During endoscopy patient has to lie down in left lateral position. After the spray, a plastic device called mouth guard is placed between the teeth in your mouth. This is to prevent damage to the scope during insertion. Once procedure is started you have to breathe consciously and do a swallowing action when you are told.
Generally there will not be any pain during procedure but you will have a sensation that something is going from your mouth and is moving in your tummy. Air is put inside to visualize the mucosa so you will feel fullness in belly. After the procedure is done, the endoscope is removed then mouth guard is removed. There will be a loss of sensation in your throat due to local anaesthesia so do not take anything through your mouth for 20mins till you regain your sensation in the mouth.
What kind of anesthesia is needed for endoscopy?
UGI endoscopy can be done under Local anesthesia (mostly) or sometimes General anesthesia.
If endoscopy procedure is done under Local anaesthesia spray, patient can go home immediately and can drive vehicle also. Patient can eat after 20 mins once the effect of local anaesthesia wanes off.
If patient is very apprehensive, sedation through intravenous cannula can be given so that patient sleeps during the procedure and is comfortable. If patient wants sedation then he or she should be accompanied with a relative and will not be able to drive vehicle while going back home.
What are the pre-procedure instructions before endoscopy?
Most of the time with 6 to 7 hours of fasting the procedure can be completed, but in some motility disorders or mechanical obstruction of digestive tract there can still be food residue in stomach for which we need to repeat the endoscopy procedure with longer duration of fasting.
Endoscopy images and report are given immediately after the procedure. If biopsy is taken then the sample is sent to a laboratory for evaluation and the report may take about 8 to 10 days.
What are indications for doing an UGI Endoscopy?
During gastroscopy one can see esophagus, stomach and duodenum (Small intestine initial part).
Common indications for doing gastroscopy are
1) GERD – Gastro-esophageal reflux disease
2) Ulcer in stomach
3) Dyspepsia
4) Blood in vomiting (Hematemesis)
5) Dysphagia (Food getting stuck in chest while swallowing)
6) Odynophagia (Pain during swallowing)
7) Upper Abdominal pain (Epigastric pain)
8) Persistent vomiting
What are the complications of UGI Endoscopy?
Diagnostic gastroscopy is a very safe procedure in expert hands and there are generally no complications.
About the author:
Dr Amit Gharat is a renowned Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and an Endoscopy specialist practicing in the area of Navi Mumbai and Raigad. Having trained from Tata Memorial Hospital and then Nair Hospital, he has tremendous experience in diagnosing and treating acid peptic diseases. He is an expert endoscopy doctor and is available for consultations at Digestive Diseases Centre at MITR Hospital in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai and other hospitals such as Fortis Vashi, MGM Vashi and his own clinic in Panvel.
About Digestive Diseases Centre (DDC) at MITR Hospital, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India
Digestive diseases centre is the first and only integrated centre committed to best care and treatment for digestive diseases in Navi Mumbai. Located within renowned MITR Hospital, DDC is managed by Dr Amit Gharat- Gastroenterologist and Dr Vijaykumar Malladi, General & GI Laparoscopic surgeon. You can call us at 022-27743558/ 4229 or reach us at http://www.mitrhospital.com
If you have any Digestive symptoms or have been advised endoscopy, you can seek advice from Dr Amit Gharat by visiting him at
- MITR Hospital, Kharghar at 02227743558/ 4229
- Aashi Diagnostic centre, Panvel- 02232253530
Or you can fillup this enquiry form:
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