I know Endoscopy and Endoscopic Ultrasound can sound a lot alike, but they are very different. I want to walk you through the purposes of each one and what they are exactly. I also will give some common reasons that a doctor may choose one of these testing procedures.
According to Julian Ong Endoscopy & Surgery (link), a Colorectal Surgeon in Singapore, an endoscopy is performed using a small tube that is flexible and has a light with a camera connected to the end of it. This allows the doctor to take pictures of your digestive system and other organs involved, and to view them on a monitor in real time and color.
There are several reasons as to why a doctor would order an endoscopy. Of course, they are ordered for the patient’s best interest. If there is an issue inside the digestive tract, the doctor can identify it and know what course of action to take to make you all healthy again. Sometimes the doctor can fix the issue while inside doing the endoscopy.
Here are a few common reasons doctors may request an endoscopy:
An endoscopy does not cause any pain. A sedative is given to the patient before the procedure is to begin. You basically, go to sleep while it is happening and wake up when it is all over. A lot of times, patients do not even realize that the procedure was performed yet when they wake up.
So, the answer for most people is, no. Pain is not usually involved with an endoscopy. Doctors do their best to make their patients comfortable.
As with any procedure, there are risks involved. Your doctor has decided to schedule an endoscopy because the pros out weight the cons. If you have had an adverse reaction to any sedatives in the past, it good to let your doctor know.
Good communication between doctor and patient is vital. No question is too silly and a good doctor will not mind answering any of them. It is your body and health, so do not hesitate to ask any questions. Sometimes it will even help the doctors. All information is valuable to doctors and some may be vital for you.
Here are some risks involved with an endoscopy:
Your doctor should go over a complete list with you before the procedure. Medicinenet.com has more information on the endoscopy procedure and risks.
An endoscopic ultrasound is a lot different than an endoscopy, even though they sound the same. An endoscopic ultrasound is inserted with a flexible tube down the esophagus with an ultrasound attached. It is basically, a camera. The difference in this and an endoscopy, is the ultrasound uses sound waves to capture the images.
The reason for uses of an endoscopic ultrasound are quite different than an endoscopy. Let’s go over some of the common reasons one may have an endoscopic ultrasound performed.
The list goes on. The ASGE.org website has more information on endoscopic ultrasounds.
A lot similar to the results of an endoscopy, patients often do not remember even having the procedure.
As with any procedure there are risks. The risks with an endoscopic ultrasound are a lot like the risks with an endoscopy. Your doctor will go over any risks involved in the procedure before it is ever performed. You can find more information at Patient.info.net.
You can also check out this video for more information if you are interested in learning a little more about the subject.
Being nervous before any procedure is normal. If you have some concerns that do not seem to be giving you rest, talk to your doctor. A lot of times we are anxious over nothing, but it never hurts to clear the air and give your mind some rest. I hope you understand the differences between both procedures.
Tags: Difference Between an Endoscopy and Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endoscopy