Find out why an endoscopy is one of the best diagnostic tools for a gastroenterologist.
You’re dealing with GI issues, so you’ve come into our office where our Rochester, NY, gastroenterologists Dr. Prasad Penmetsa, Dr. Surinder Devgun, and Dr. Ari Chodos have told you that you need an endoscopy. This simple in-office procedure is ideal for being able to diagnose a wide range of gastrointestinal issues, as it allows our gastroenterologists to be able to examine the lining of the upper digestive tract.
When might a doctor recommend an endoscopy?
If a patient comes into our Rochester, NY, office with any of the symptoms below, chances are fairly good that our gastroenterologists will recommend an endoscopy to further evaluate what’s going on. These symptoms include,
- Recurring or persistent nausea and/or vomiting
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Unexpected weight loss
- Upper abdominal pain
- Trouble swallowing
What can an endoscopy detect?
Just as a colonoscopy is used to detect colon polyps, inflammation, colorectal cancer, and other problems that affect the rectum and colon (large intestines), an endoscopy is used by our team of gastroenterologists to be able to detect and diagnose problems and conditions in the throat, stomach, and beginning of the small intestines such as,
- Inflammation
- Obstructions
- Ulcers
- Growths and tumors
- Bleeding
- Hernia
What should I expect from an endoscopy?
This procedure is performed right here in our office under sedation and local anesthesia, which will numb the throat prior to inserting the endoscope (a thin tube). As the endoscope is gently guided down the throat into the stomach, our team will be able to examine the lining of the digestive tract through a camera attached to the end of the scope.
From there we can determine what’s causing your symptoms while also removing certain obstructions, collecting tissue, stopping bleeds, and even removing certain growths and polyps. The procedure doesn’t usually take more than 30 minutes and most patients will be able to go home about an hour after the procedure.
Rochester Gastroenterology Associates offers several locations throughout Rochester, NY, making it even easier to turn to our gastroenterologists for everything from endoscopy to GERD treatment.
If you are dealing with gastrointestinal issues and want to find out how we can help, call us at (585) 227-1080 or (585) 267-4040 to schedule an appointment.