What is endoscopy Gastroenterology?

Upper GI endoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses an endoscope—a flexible tube with a camera—to see the lining of your upper GI tract. A gastroenterologist, surgeon, or other trained health care professional performs the procedure, most often while you receive light sedation to help you relax.

Is a gastroscopy the same as an endoscopy?

A gastroscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is used to look inside the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It’s also sometimes referred to as an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The endoscope has a light and a camera at one end.

Do all gastroenterologists perform endoscopy?

Who Performs Endoscopy? Your internist or family doctor may perform sigmoidoscopy in their office. However, all of the other endoscopy procedures are usually performed by gastroenterology specialists (gastroenterologists). Other specialists such as gastrointestinal surgeons also can perform many of these procedures.

How long is Gastro endoscopy?

When your doctor has finished the exam, the endoscope is slowly retracted through your mouth. An endoscopy typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your situation.

Are you asleep for endoscopy?

All endoscopic procedures involve some degree of sedation, which relaxes you and subdues your gag reflex. Being sedated during the procedure will put you into a moderate to deep sleep, so you will not feel any discomfort when the endoscope is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach.

What is the alternative to endoscopy?

The most common alternative to endoscopy is an upper GI x-ray examination using a barium swallow. This procedure does not allow for biopsy or removal of tissue and is not able to identify flat lesions; if abnormalities are detected with the upper GI x-ray examination, an endoscopy will be required.

Which is better endoscopy or MRI?

Overall, MRI was not significantly better (p > 0.05) than endoscopy in distinguishing UC from CD. MRI correctly graded the severity of inflammatory changes in 13 of 20 patients, and endoscopy did so in 11 of 20. MRI and endoscopy findings were within one grade of histology findings in seven patients each.