What is an upper digestive endoscopy?

An upper digestive endoscopy (or simply endoscopy) is an outpatient basis procedure in which is checkup the inside of the esophagus, the stomach and part of the duodenum. It is useful to diagnose digestive symptoms such as bleeding, abdominal pain, acidity, vomiting, sickness or swallowing difficulties. The endoscopy allows to diagnose or prevent gastritis, ulcers or tumors.

What should I do before an endoscopy?

To the exam be successful and safe, you need to have the stomach empty, to can see correctly and avoid that the food goes to bronchi. This can be achieved avoiding eating solid food 8 hours before the procedure.

How an endoscopy is performed in the endoscopy and colonoscopy center in Medellín?

The gastroenterologist introduces an endoscope through the mouth (A large and flexible equipment, about 9mm of diameter). From there goes through the throat, then to esophagus, passing by the stomach to finally arrive to the small intestine.  During the procedure, it is examining all it parts carefully and systemic. In the stomach, it is take a tissue sample (biopsy) to know if there is gastritis or Helicobacter pylori bacteria. The exam is painless, nor prevents you to breathe, but habitually we administer sedation medicines by intravenous that make you feel relaxed and sleepy. The procedure has a duration around 7 minutes.

What happens after an endoscopy?

When the procedure ends, you will be moved to the recovery room. There, you will stay until the sedative effects ends. Then you will be discharged with your companion.