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Endoscopy

At Costamed Medical Group, we understand the importance of your digestive health. Endoscopy is a valuable tool in the assessment and treatment of conditions such as reflux, gastritis, and other gastric problems. In this guide, we will provide you with essential information about endoscopy, from its description to why it is performed and the benefits it offers to improve your quality of life. Our mission is to provide you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about your health

 

Brief Description

Endoscopy is a medical technique that uses a thin, flexible instrument called an endoscope to examine the interior of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. During the procedure, the endoscope is inserted through the mouth and advances through the upper gastrointestinal tract. This allows the doctor to visualize any abnormalities such as irritation, ulcers, inflammation, reflux, or precancerous lesions. Below, we will delve into what this procedure entails, why it is performed, and its benefits.

 

What It Involves?

Endoscopy is a technique that uses a thin, flexible endoscope to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth, and as it advances, a camera at the end of the endoscope transmits real-time images to a screen, allowing the doctor to examine the lining of the digestive system in detail without the need for surgery, as it is performed in the same way food naturally moves when we eat.

 

Why the Procedure Is Performed?

Endoscopy is performed for various reasons:

  • Reflux Evaluation: To diagnose and assess the severity of reflux that can cause symptoms and diseases such as heartburn, chest pain, chronic cough, difficulty swallowing, or even cancer.
  • Detection of Gastritis and Ulcers: To identify the presence of inflammation in the stomach (gastritis) or ulcers, which can cause abdominal pain, anemia from invisible bleeding, among other symptoms.
  • Investigation of Gastric Problems: To investigate symptoms such as constant burping, bad breath, indigestion, nausea, constant vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.
  • Biopsies: During endoscopy, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken for the diagnosis of diseases such as celiac disease, gastritis, esophagitis, and the dreaded esophageal, stomach, or duodenal cancer. Timely diagnosis ensures targeted and timely treatment.

 

Benefits of Endoscopy

Endoscopy offers numerous benefits:

  • Precise Diagnosis: Allows for the precise diagnosis of digestive conditions, leading to more suitable and effective treatment.
  • Treatment During the Procedure: Some issues, such as the removal of precancerous polyps or cauterization of ulcers, can be treated immediately during endoscopy.
  • Minimal Discomfort: Endoscopy is an outpatient procedure performed with analgesia and sedation methods that allow for a painless examination.
  • Quick Recovery: Patients typically recover quickly after endoscopy and can return to their normal activities in a short period.

 

At Costamed Medical Group, we are dedicated to your digestive health. We invite you to schedule an endoscopy with our specialists to obtain precise answers and improve your quality of life.

 

Are you ready to address your digestive problems? Schedule an endoscopy consultation at Costamed Medical Group and take the first step toward a healthier life, fill out the following form and click to start the chat.