An endoscopy is a diagnostic test that allows a gastroenterologist to look inside your digestive tract (esophogus, stomach and colon) to look for problems that may be causing symptoms like chronic acid reflux and heartburn, which are among the most common digestive problems.
Endoscopy and Gastroenterology
Your gastroenterologist may order an endoscopy of your upper or lower GI tract depending on your symptoms and digestive issues. Endoscopies are a minimally invasive procedure and are typically recommended to find the cause of digestive issues and symptoms, and in some cases to treat problems including:
Chronic heartburn or acid reflux
Screen for colorectal cancer or cancers of the digestive tract
Biopsy suspicious growths or tissue
Remove polyps
To treat bleeding
Remove foreign object
How Does Endoscopy Work?
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed with an endoscope, a small fiber-optic instrument with attached lights and a camera that sends images of your GI tract to your gastroenterologist. To minimize discomfort as the endoscope passes down through your esophagus, you will most likely be given a mild sedative or topical analgesic spray. Although it is minimally invasive, there is a preparatory and mild recovery window that typically lasts 24 hours after the procedure.
