Endoscopy
Endoscopy:
Advanced Diagnostics for Digestive Health
What is an endoscopy?
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Capsule endoscopy
A capsule endoscopy provides a view of the lining of the middle part of your gastrointestinal tract. This includes the three portions of the small intestine – the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. For a capsule endoscopy, you swallow a pill-sized camera. The camera takes pictures as it passes through your small intestine and sends them to a recording device that you wear. -
Upper endoscopy
An upper endoscopy uses a traditional endoscope – a flexible tube with a camera and light. The endoscope slides through your mouth and throat into your esophagus. Your doctor can then evaluate your esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine.
Why would I need a capsule endoscopy?
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The source of bleeding from the small intestine
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Polyps
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Inflammatory bowel disease
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Ulcers
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Tumors of the small intestine
Why would I need an upper endoscopy?
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Upper abdominal pain
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Nausea and vomiting
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Difficulty swallowing
An upper endoscopy is more effective than an X-ray when it comes to detecting inflammation, ulcers, or tumors. During an upper endoscopy, the doctors may take a tissue sample (biopsy) for further analysis. A biopsy can test for cancer, but it can also test for conditions such as H. pylori, a common bacterial cause of ulcers and digestive distress.
You may also undergo an upper endoscopy to remove polyps, stretch a narrowed area in your digestive tract, or treat bleeding.
Complications associated with an upper endoscopy are rare. You may have slight bleeding at a site of a biopsy or polyp removal, but this usually resolves on its own. Contact the office immediately if you have a fever or notice pain in your throat or trouble swallowing following an upper endoscopy.
For more information about endoscopy testing at Digestive Disease Consultants of Orange County, call one of the offices or book an appointment online.
