Overview

Endoscopy (gastroscopy) is a diagnostic method used to examine the inner surface of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum in detail. This procedure is performed with the help of a camera placed at the end of a thin tube. Endoscopy is a safe and effective method that is frequently used especially for cancer screening, ulcers, bleeding, inflammation and other digestive system diseases.

Why is Endoscopy Performed?

Endoscopy is performed when problems with the stomach, esophagus, or duodenum are suspected. During endoscopy, doctors look for abnormalities in these areas and, if necessary, take tissue samples for a biopsy.

Endoscopy is used in the following situations:

Screening for Stomach or Esophagus Cancer: Early detection of cancer is vital. Endoscopy is used to detect signs of cancer in these organs.

Bleeding Detection: Occult or overt bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract can be detected by endoscopy.

Difficulty in Swallowing: Used to examine patients who have difficulty swallowing due to esophageal narrowing, tumors or other obstructions.

Ulcer Detection: Endoscopy is an important diagnostic method in the diagnosis of ulcers in the stomach or duodenum.

Reflux Disease: Used to evaluate damage caused by chronic stomach acid reflux in the esophagus.

Inflammatory Conditions: It can be applied to examine inflammatory conditions such as gastritis, esophagitis and Crohn's disease.

How is Endoscopy Performed?

Endoscopy is a short procedure, usually performed under mild sedation. During the procedure, an anesthetic spray is applied to the patient's throat to facilitate the passage of the tube.

Preparation: The patient should fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure. This will allow the digestive system to be cleared and the endoscope to transmit images more clearly.

Procedure: After the patient is sedated, the doctor advances a thin endoscope tube from the patient's mouth into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The camera at the end of the endoscope visualizes the inner surface of these areas and, if necessary, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken.

Biopsy: Your doctor may take small tissue samples from suspicious areas. These samples are examined in a laboratory to check for the presence of cancer or other diseases.

Recovery: The procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes. Patients are left to rest until the sedation wears off and are discharged the same day.

After Endoscopy

After endoscopy, patients may experience mild discomfort or swelling in the throat. Due to sedation, patients are not advised to drive or make important decisions within 24 hours after the procedure.

Results: Endoscopy results are usually shared with your doctor right away. If a biopsy was taken, results are available within a few days.

Risks and Complications: Endoscopy is a safe procedure, but it can carry some rare risks. These risks include infection, bleeding, and injury or perforation of the esophagus during insertion of the tube.

Conditions That Can Be Diagnosed with Endoscopy

Endoscopy is extremely effective in diagnosing a variety of diseases of the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum. These diseases can include:

Stomach Cancer: Early-stage stomach cancer often does not cause symptoms. Endoscopy can detect stomach cancer in its early stages and increase the patient's chances of treatment.

Esophageal Cancer: Patients with chronic reflux or Barrett's esophagus may be at increased risk of esophageal cancer. Endoscopy can diagnose these conditions in their early stages.

Peptic Ulcer: Sores (ulcers) that occur in the stomach or duodenum can be directly visualized by endoscopy.

Varicose Veins and Bleeding: Esophageal varices, especially those that develop in patients with liver disease, carry a risk of bleeding. Endoscopy can visualize and treat these varices.

Importance of Endoscopy

Endoscopy is of vital importance in the early diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases. Thanks to this method, serious diseases such as cancer can be detected in the early stages and the chance of treatment increases. It also provides rapid intervention in emergency situations such as stomach bleeding. Endoscopy, performed by experienced physicians such as Op. Dr. Çağlar Ertekin, is a critical step in improving the patient's quality of life and accelerating the treatment process.

Conclusion

Endoscopy is a reliable diagnostic method that evaluates abnormalities in the stomach, esophagus and duodenum. Cancer screenings play an important role in diagnosing serious health problems such as ulcers and bleeding. This procedure, applied by experts such as Op. Dr. Çağlar Ertekin, is an effective method for protecting the health of patients and diagnosing diseases early.