An endoscopy is a medical procedure that does cause some temporary complications, especially to the throat. Considering that your throat is already very sore, the complications could be a little more intense than normal, while still also more likely being temporary. An endoscopy is a widely used medical test that helps in the diagnosis of a range of conditions affecting the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. These include the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine, which is known as the duodenum. The procedure uses a device known as an endoscope, which is a thin, long and flexible tube that features a camera and light located at the tip that is inserted into the patient. The camera serves to relay images from within the patient's body on to a computer screen visible to the doctor inside the operating room. The contraption also allows for recording of the footage to allow the medical team to re review the video in case of any doubts at a later time.
On commencement of the procedure, the patient will be asked to lie down on an examination table before a local, liquid anesthetic is sprayed onto the back of the throat. This helps numb the throat as well as calm the gag reflex. In order to help the patient to relax, a sedative is also administered through an intravenous injection. The endoscope is then guided into the throat and then subsequently down the esophagus and into the stomach. If needed, the endoscope also allows for some amount of air to be pumped into the stomach to cause it to bloat and allow for better visibility. The doctor is able to use a host of special instruments that allow him to perform actions like removing abnormal growths, stop bleeding and perform biopsies. Once the procedure has ended and the doctor or medical staff is convinced that they have analyzed all the required data, the patient will be allowed to rest until the time the anesthesia and sedative have worm off. This should take an hour or so. The patient will also be asked to avoid driving for a period of up to 48 hours post the procedure as well.
In preparation of endoscopy procedure, it is important for the patient to disclose any medication that he or she is under, whether prescribed or non-prescribed. This is required to avoid any possibility of it interfering with the procedure
Submitted by M T on March 24, 2010 at 11:52