Borescope

Upper endoscopy enables the surgeon to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). This type of procedure can discover the reason for swallowing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain, or chest pain. Upper endoscopy is also called EGD, which stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

As a procedure, upper endoscopy requires the patient to swallow a thin tube (endoscope), which transmits an image of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of these organs. The scope also blows air into the stomach to expand the folds of tissue and make it easier for the physician to examine the stomach.

The advantage of upper endoscopy is that it allows the physician to see things that normally don't show up well on x rays. The physician can also insert instruments into the scope to treat bleeding abnormalities or remove samples of tissue (biopsy) for further tests.

In order for the procedure to be carried out in the safest and most efficient way, the patient must visit the medical center on an empty stomach. So, you should have nothing to eat or drink, including water, for approximately six hours before the examination.

Although complications related to upper endoscopy are quite rare, bleeding and puncture of the stomach lining could occur. But for the most part, people would just feel nothing more than a mild sore throat after the procedure, which takes no more than half an hour. But since the patient will be sedated, he or she must remain in the endoscopy center for the next 2 hours so that the medications can wear off. Alternatively, someone could drive you home, instead of staying at the hospital. Of course some people can relax on their own and the inspection is done without intravenous medications.

Because of factors related to diet, environment and heredity, the upper GI tract is the site of numerous disorders. If not discovered in the early stages and not treated properly, these disorders can turn into serious diseases. The most common reasons for upper endoscopy include: persistent nausea and vomiting;upper abdominal pain, heartburn, or acid reflux symptoms (an acid or burning sensation in the throat or chest);vomiting blood or blood found in the stool;difficulty swallowing; food/liquids getting stuck in the esophagus;abnormal or unclear findings on an upper GI x-ray;removal of a foreign body;to follow-up on previously found polyps (growths), tumors, or ulcers (which can develop in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum).

Upper Endoscopy | Borescope Lens | Camera Lens | Gradient Lens | Optical Lens | Rod Lens |