Upper digestive endoscopy
Endoscopy allows to diagnose:
• Inflammatory diseases
• Infectious, origin of bleeding
• Presence of polyps
• Cancer , among others;
It also enables the performance of some preventive or corrective treatments for bleeding, polyps, and strictures .
Also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy because of the organs it examines, it is an outpatient procedure that examines the inside of the esophagus, stomach and part of the duodenum, by means of an endoscope (flexible tube with a small camera at the end), which is introduced through the mouth.
When performing the examination, the gastroenterologist will consider whether a biopsy is necessary, based on the findings in the tissues.
You may drink fluids up to six hours before the exam. It is recommended that the procedure be performed under sedation, to allow for better evaluation, greater safety and better tolerance.
General recommendations
Preparation for the procedure is of vital importance for the correct preparation and performance of the examination requested of you. Remember that it is your treating physician, or the health team that cares for you, who knows your health status and recommends the performance of this examination (indication and relevance), not the Gastroclinic Institute as such.
For technical-scientific reasons and for patient safety, we recommend that you prepare for the exam in the established manner. However, we also suggest that you consult your doctor beforehand , as he or she is the one who knows your health condition and can best advise you on the possibility of doing this preparation, in case you have an illness or are undergoing treatment that cannot be interrupted for fasting.
For endoscopic procedures, patients over 75 years of age, under 12 years of age, or with cognitive disability problems, sleep apnea (those who use CPAP), those who have suffered a heart attack less than six months ago, with psychiatric disorders, genetic disorders, epilepsy and those who use oxygen in their daily lives must report this condition by contacting the Gastroclinical Institute before beginning the preparation, in order to confirm the appointment assignment.
It is advisable to stop taking, at least five days before taking, medications containing Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix), Ribaroxaban (Xarelto), Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Apixaban (Eliquis), Warfarin (Coumadin) or any other medication that has an anticoagulant effect. You should consult with your doctor about the possibility of stopping them and do so with his/her authorization.