Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

When the screen in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract (UGI), a procedure is performed endoscopically. Endoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look inside wall of your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small bowel (duodenum) through thin, flexible viewing instrument called endoscope. At the tip of the endoscope is introduced through the mouth and then gently moved down your throat into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (upper gastrointestinal tract).

Since the entire upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract can be considered during this test, the procedure is sometimes called esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The are drugs wich can help in this problems. Zithromax is a macrolide antibiotic. It slows the growth of, or sometimes kills, sensitive bacteria by reducing the production of important proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.

With the help of an endoscope, your doctor can look for ulcers, inflammation, swelling, infection and bleeding. Samples of tissues can be obtained (biopsy), polyps can be removed and bleeding can be treated through the endoscope. Endoscopy can reveal problems that do not appear on x-ray tests, and it can sometimes eliminate the need for surgical research.

Why this is done:

Upper endoscopy gastrointestinal tract can be done to ensure that:

      * Find problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GI) tract. These problems may include:
            O Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis).
            O gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
            OA narrowing (structure) of the esophagus.
            O in Barrett esophagus, a condition that increases the risk of developing cancer of the esophagus.
            O Hiatal hernia.
            O ulcers.
            O cancer.
      * Find the cause of vomiting blood (hematemesis).
      * Find the cause of symptoms such as upper abdominal pain or bloating, difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), vomiting, or unexplained weight loss.
      * Find the cause of an infection.
      * Document the healing of gastric ulcers.
      * Look at the inner surface of the stomach and upper small intestine (duodenum) after the operation.
      * Look at blocking the opening between the stomach and duodenum (gastric outlet obstruction).

Endoscopy can also be made to:

      * Check the esophagus to injury in an emergency (for example, if a person has swallowed a poison).
      * Collect samples of tissue (biopsy) for examination in the laboratory.
      * Remove from inside the esophagus, stomach and small bowel (polyps of gastrointestinal tract).
      * Treat the upper gastro-intestinal bleeding, including bleeding, caused by engorged veins in the esophagus (esophageal varices).
      * Removal of foreign objects that are swallowed.
      * Look for bleeding, which may be the cause of reducing the oxygen carrying substance (hemoglobin) in red blood cells (anemia).

How to Prepare:

Before endoscopy gastrointestinal tract, tell your doctor if:

      * Allergies to any medications, including anesthetics.
      * Are there any medications.
      * Have bleeding problems or take blood thinning medicine such as warfarin (Coumadin).
      * Have a heart.
      * Are or may be pregnant.
      * Is diabetic and insulin.
      * Have had operations or radiation treatment of your esophagus, stomach and upper part of your small bowel.

You will usually be asked to sign a consent form before the test. Talk to your doctor about any problems you have in relation to the need to test their risks, as this is done, and what the results will mean.

If biopsy samples are taken or polyps are removed during the test, the bleeding may also occur. This usually stops the bleeding by itself without any treatment. To reduce this risk, no aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for several days prior to endoscopy. If you take blood thinning medicine, you may be asked to temporarily stop the medicine before the test.

Do not eat or drink anything for 6 to 8 hours before the test. Stomach helps your doctor to see clearly in your stomach during the test. This also reduces your chances of vomiting. If vomiting is a small risk that your stomach contents can enter your lungs (aspiration). If the test is performed in an emergency, a tube can be inserted through the nose or mouth on an empty stomach.

Before the test, you will provide a hospital gown, if you wear dentures, jewelry, contact lenses or glasses, remove them. For your own comfort, empty your bladder before the test.