What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows Dr. Crespin to examine your upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract, including your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the top part of your small intestine).
Using endoscopy, Dr. Crespin can diagnose conditions affecting your upper GI tract and, in some cases, treat them as well.
To perform your procedure, Dr. Crespin uses an endoscope, which is a narrow tube fitted with a tiny camera and light. He passes the endoscope down your throat and into your stomach, and the camera relays images of the tissues in your upper GI tract.
Can endoscopy be used for other procedures?
As well as using endoscopy for upper GI tract diagnosis and treatment, endoscopic technology enables Dr. Crespin to perform other procedures, such as:
Interventional biliary endoscopy
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an endoscopic technique that allows Dr. Crespin to access your gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreatic ducts.
Sigmoidoscopy
This procedure uses endoscopic techniques to view your rectum and lower colon. A colonoscopy provides images of your entire colon.
Why might I need an upper GI endoscopy?
Dr. Crespin might advise you have an endoscopy to find out the cause of symptoms such as:
- Pain in your upper abdomen
- Difficulties swallowing
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Chronic diarrhea
Dr. Crespin may also take samples of tissue (biopsies) for analysis. If you have a bleeding ulcer, he can use a special instrument that fits down the endoscope to treat the wound.
What does the endoscopy procedure involve?
The day before your endoscopy, you need to stop eating so your stomach empties completely. You get clear instructions on what to do before your procedure.
When you're ready for your upper GI endoscopy, you have a sedative to make sure you're relaxed, but you won't need an anesthetic. Dr. Crespin passes the endoscope down your throat until it's well inside your stomach, then withdraws it once he completes his investigations.
Your sedative should wear off over the next hour, after which Dr. Crespin can give you the results.
Find out more about endoscopy and how it can help with your gastrointestinal disorder by calling Jeffrey Crespin, MD, today or book an appointment online.
