657 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to examine the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It allows our gastroenterologist to detect several abnormalities, including ulcers, polyps, inflammation, and tumors. The procedure also plays a pivotal role in several diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, including the removal of polyps, biopsies, and even stopping bleeding.
Your primary care physician and our office may recommend an endoscopy for several reasons. Persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or gastrointestinal bleeding may warrant an endoscopic examination to identify the underlying cause. Additionally, if routine screening tests such as colonoscopy suggest abnormalities, further investigation with endoscopy becomes essential. For individuals with a family history of gastrointestinal conditions, such as colorectal cancer, we may recommend endoscopic screenings for early detection and better treatment outcomes.
During an endoscopy, the patient is usually given a sedative or anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. For an Upper GI endoscopy, the endoscope, a flexible tube equipped with a light and a camera, gets gently inserted through the mouth and throat. As the camera transmits real-time images to a monitor, our gastroenterologist can visualize the internal structures and perform therapeutic procedures like cauterization, tissue sampling, and other procedures if necessary.
While every patient is different, and some present special considerations in care, endoscopy is typically a safe and well-tolerated procedure. We perform endoscopies in the procedure room in our office with an anesthesiologist on site. Patients return home the same day with minimal recovery time.
Whether used for routine screenings or investigating concerning symptoms, this procedure plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health and ensuring early detection of potential issues.
At Five Towns Gastroenterology we are dedicated to providing high-quality care for all your gastrointestinal health needs.
