Gastroscopy or colonoscopy can directly observe whether there are pathological changes in the gastrointestinal tract. If necessary, forceps or brushes can be used to extract samples for pathological examination. Treatments such as hemostasis or polypectomy can also be performed simultaneously. Although gastroenteroscopy is a very common medical procedure, there are still some people who are worried about the tiring process and resist “looking in the mirror”. With the continuous advancement of anesthesia monitoring technology, patients’ discomfort during gastroenteroscopy has been greatly reduced.
Gastroenteroscopy integrates examination, diagnosis and treatment
A gastroscope or enteroscope is a fiber optic hose with a micro lens at the end. Its flexible nature helps reduce the risk and discomfort when entering the patient’s stomach and intestines. The multi-channel design of the scope allows it to integrate examination, diagnosis and treatment. The continuous improvement of fiber optic imaging and lenses allows doctors to more clearly observe the conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. In recent years, narrow-band endoscopy has been introduced, which can enhance the visibility of blood vessels in the mucosal layer, and technologies such as artificial intelligence can assist in analysis and improve diagnostic accuracy.
Although methods such as capsule gastroenteroscopy and computer-scanned simulated colonoscopy are available, patients do not need to be intubated and receive anesthesia, but their accuracy is relatively low. If there is fecal residue blocking it, it is more difficult to see clearly, and immediate treatment is not possible. Therefore, the gastrointestinal Mirrors are still hard to replace. However, not all gastrointestinal problems can be treated through gastroenteroscopy. For example, if a patient has a perforated stomach or intestine, gastroenteroscopy cannot be performed to avoid aggravating the scope of the rupture.
Related reading: Gastroscopy and colonoscopy to prevent digestive tract cancer
Pay attention to inspection risks
Gastroenteroscopy may cause bleeding in the digestive system, but the chance is low. This condition most often occurs at the location where polyps are removed. The more polyps are removed and the larger the size, the higher the chance of puncture and bleeding. If doctors find polyps during examination, they will try to remove them as much as possible. However, if there are many polyps, are large in size, or have obvious malignant tumors, they may need to switch to minimally invasive or even surgical removal. If you need to undergo a gastroenteroscopy, you may wish to pay attention to the following 3 keys to help make the examination smoother and safer.
- Understand beforehand: Ask your doctor about the reasons for gastroenteroscopy and related risks, including the examination process and anesthesia.
- Colon cleansing preparation: Do not eat for 6 to 8 hours before the examination; for colonoscopy, you must start a low-residue diet according to the guidelines 3 days before the examination, and take laxatives to cleanse the large intestine the night before the examination. The cleaner the intestines, the better the examination effect.
- You need to rest after the examination: If sedative drugs are injected during the examination, the patient will feel dizzy, so he must be accompanied by an adult relative or friend before leaving. He should not go to work or school immediately, drive or operate machinery, or drink alcoholic beverages. . If the patient subsequently develops severe abdominal pain or persistent discomfort, he or she should seek medical advice immediately.
Related reading:[Gastroscopy, Colonoscopy]Persistent gastrointestinal discomfort or indigestion? When do you need to “look in the mirror”? 6 situations to do gastroscopy or colonoscopy
Specialist in Surgery, Sanatorium & Hospital
Dr. Kwong Yingheng
Tags: Dont afraid hard work gastroenteroscopy Understand key points examination Ming Pao Health Network
