What Is An Endoscopy?

We speak with Dr Mani Naghibi, consultant gastroenterologist at Clementine Churchill Hospital, about having an endoscopy.

Links:

For more information, please visit: Gastroscopy | Gastroenterology (circlehealthgroup.co.uk)

Having An Endoscopy | Health Matters (circlehealthgroup.co.uk)

To find a consultant near you, visit: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/f...

Chapters:

00:23: What is an endoscopy?
00:55: What is a gastroscopy?
02:37: What happens during a gastroscopy?
03:42: What is the recovery period like?
04:26: What is a colonoscopy?
04:57: Why might you need a colonoscopy?

Content:

First things first, what is an endoscopy?

An endoscopy uses a scope that goes inside your body to take high-quality pictures or videos of organs and other structures. We use them to screen, diagnose, and treat several conditions. most common types include an upper GI gastroscopy and colonoscopy.

What is a gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy, also known as an upper GI endoscopy or OGD, is a procedure to look inside your oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine.

Why might you need a gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy is a highly effective way of investigating a broad range of stomach problems. You might benefit from a gastroscopy if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:

Persistent heartburn and indigestion
Persistent bloating
Persistent stomach pain
Persistent nausea
Difficulties swallowing
Abnormal bleeding

Low levels of iron in your blood, also known as iron deficiency anaemia

These symptoms can be caused by many conditions, including a stomach ulcer, which is a sore that develops on the lining of your stomach. It occurs when acid inside your stomach damages the layer that protects it. The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning sensation in the middle of your tummy, but some people also experience indigestion, nausea, and sickness.

You might also need to have a growth investigated. A non-cancerous tumour is a growth that does not spread to other parts of your body. Polyps, also known as benign growths, can develop anywhere in your large intestine. Polyps do not usually cause any symptoms, so most people do not know they have them, but they can be found during routine testing or a gastroscopy.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that happens when your immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten. This damages your small intestine and leaves you unable to absorb nutrients. Symptoms vary from person to person, but usually include severe stomach pain, diarrhoea, and bloating.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, also known as GORD, is a common condition that occurs when acid from your stomach leaks into your oesophagus. Symptoms of GORD include severe bloating, sickness, heartburn, and pain when swallowing. You can often manage symptoms of the condition with lifestyle changes and medication.

Gastritis is a common condition with a wide range of causes. It occurs when the lining of your stomach becomes inflamed after it has been damaged. It causes a burning or gnawing pain in your stomach, bloating, and sickness.

Each of these conditions can be investigated during a gastroscopy.

Consultant details:

Dr Mani Naghibi is a consultant gastroenterologist at Clementine Churchill Hospital.

Learn more about his expertise: Mani Naghibi-Consultant Gastroenterologist (circlehealthgroup.co.uk)

To see how Clementine Churchill Hospital can help you, visit: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/h...

If you have any of the concerns outlined in this video, seek professional medical help as soon as possible.

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