Experiencing persistent digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, or abdominal discomfort can be a sign of a serious intestinal health problem.
One effective method to treat this condition is by performing an endoscopy. This article will discuss how endoscopy can be a solution to detect colitis and other digestive diseases and improve your digestive tract health.
Getting to Know What Endoscopy Is
Intestinal endoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of the digestive tract. The procedure works by inserting a flexible tube into the digestive tract through the mouth.
The tool used to perform this medical procedure is an Endoscope. The flexible tube on the endoscope is equipped with a camera and a light at the end. That way, the doctor can see the condition of the intestine directly on the monitor screen.
Endoscopy Implementation Procedure
Endoscopy medical procedures have several stages during their implementation, here are the stages of the endoscopy procedure that you need to know:
1. Preparation
Before an endoscopy procedure is performed, preparations must be made by the patient. Here are some endoscopy preparations required before undergoing the procedure:
- Comprehensive health check.
- Fast for a few hours.
- Drinking laxative fluids if you are going to have a colonoscopy or colonoscopy. The patient will have diarrhea after drinking this fluid so that the contents of the food in the intestines can be cleaned so that during the endoscopy the surface of the intestines can be seen more clearly.
- Administration of local anesthetic drugs is usually done in the throat area for gastric endoscopy (gastroscopy)
- Mild sedation/anesthesia can be given so that the patient falls asleep and can be more comfortable during the procedure.
2. Implementation of Endoscopy
After receiving anesthesia if necessary and lying down on the operating table, the doctor will insert an endoscope down the patient's throat towards the stomach.
When the instrument successfully enters the intestine, the doctor will monitor the monitor that shows the condition of the patient's stomach-large intestine. During the endoscopy process, the doctor will examine the digestive tract for signs of abnormalities such as inflammation, tumors, polyps or wounds.
The camera on the endoscope can record the condition of the digestive tract clearly, so that the doctor can take the necessary action. Such as biopsy, stopping bleeding in the digestive tract if there is bleeding, cutting polyps and doing other actions as needed.
The endoscopy process generally takes about 15 to 45 minutes. During the procedure, patients who have been given anesthesia will not feel anything.
3. Follow up
Once the endoscopy procedure is complete and the instrument has been removed from the body, the patient will be asked to rest for a while until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.
Usually, after the anesthetic wears off, the doctor will explain the results of the endoscopy. About what happened to the patient's digestive organs.
Benefits of Performing an Endoscopy
Endoscopy allows doctors to provide an immediate diagnosis and direct explanation of the patient's condition, as well as determine the appropriate medical action based on the results of the examination performed.
In addition, endoscopy is an effective medical procedure in diagnosing and treating problems related to the dirty intestine, including more serious conditions such as colitis. Using an endoscope equipped with a small camera, the doctor can see the condition of the inside of the intestine directly to detect signs of inflammation or damage to the intestinal wall.
This process allows for the identification and removal of food debris, polyps, or abnormal tissue, which may trigger intestinal inflammation or worsen existing inflammatory conditions, thereby helping to prevent further complications and improving overall digestive health.
The Dangers of Intestinal Inflammation and the Importance of Early Detection with Endoscopy
Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are serious conditions that can cause severe pain, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. If left untreated, they can lead to complications such as narrowing of the intestine, severe bleeding, or even increase the risk of colon cancer.
Endoscopy is an important step in early detection of intestinal inflammation. This procedure allows doctors to examine the condition of the intestinal wall directly, detect inflammation or small wounds, and remove abnormal tissue before it worsens. Early detection can prevent serious complications and maintain digestive health.
Early Detection of Intestinal Inflammation with Endoscopy: Maintaining Your Digestive Health
Through endoscopy procedures, we can get a clear picture of the condition of the digestive tract and detect health problems early. This process is very important in identifying disorders such as colitis or other conditions that can affect quality of life. With early detection and proper treatment, you can prevent further complications and maintain optimal digestive health.
If you experience persistent digestive symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a doctor and consider an endoscopy procedure. Maintaining a healthy digestive tract is an important step to living a healthy and comfortable life.
Article written by dr. Dedy G. Sudrajat, Sp. PD, KGEH, FINASIM (Internal Medicine Specialist – Consultant Gastro Entero Hepatology EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).