Endoscopy Specialist Q&A

Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure used to examine a person’s digestive tract. At Digestive Disease Care (DDC), we have board-certified gastroenterologists that specialize in performing endoscopies. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jamaica NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY and New Hyde Park NY.

Endoscopy Specialist Near Me in Jamaica NY, Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, Massapequa NY and East Setauket NY

Our digestive health has a significant impact on our overall health and can be quite revealing about the foods we eat. Our digestive system, also referred to as the digestive tract, is a group of organs that process food into energy that can be used by our bodies. Digestive health is not always able to be determined externally, which is why methods have been developed to take a look inside the digestive tract, such as with endoscopies. An endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure used to determine the health of a person’s digestive tract and can detect changes or abnormalities therein.

What is an endoscopy test?

An endoscopy, sometimes referred to as EGD, or esophagus-gastro-duodenoscopy is a non-surgical procedure that allows a physician to directly examine the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the duodenum, the stomach, and the esophagus. Known as an endoscopist, the physician who performs the procedure has special training in using an endoscope to examine the upper GI system, looking for tumors, bleeding, ulcers, or inflammation (redness, irritation).

What diseases can be detected by an endoscopy?

Having an endoscopy is the first step in detecting serious diseases, some of which can be fatal. An endoscopy uses a device known as an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached that is inserted through the mouth and slowly lowered to view the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Endoscopies can detect:

• Esophageal cancer
• Barrett’s esophagus (precancerous change in the esophagus)
• Stomach cancer
• H. pylori infection of the stomach
• Hiatal hernia
• Ulcers

What are the signs that I need an endoscopy test?

Common reasons for upper endoscopy include:

• Unexplained pain in the upper abdomen
• GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn)
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Difficulty swallowing; food getting stuck when swallowing
• Abnormal or unclear findings on another type of diagnostic test, including upper GI x-ray, -CT scan, or MRI
• Removal of a foreign body (swallowed object)
• Determine the healing process or progress on previously found ulcers, tumors or polyps (growths)

What are the types of endoscopy?

There are several types of endoscopy. Those using natural body openings include:

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (often called upper endoscopy) — Performed to check on the health or detect abnormalities of the upper intestinal tract.

Gastroscopy — A procedure used to examine the health of the stomach.

Enteroscopy — This procedure checks on the health of the small intestine or small bowel.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) — This minimally invasive procedure can help determine the presence of gastrointestinal diseases.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) — This procedure combines an upper GI endoscopy and X-rays to assess and diagnose problems associated with the bile and pancreatic ducts.

Colonoscopy — The most well-known of all endoscopies, a colonoscopy is a vital diagnostic test that can detect colorectal problems, including certain types of cancer.

Sigmoidoscopy — This minimally invasive procedure examines the large intestine through the sigmoid colon, the nearest part of the colon to the rectum. This procedure is less invasive than other endoscopies and may be better suited for some patients.

If you need an endoscopy, come to Digestive Disease Care DDC today. Our endoscopy clinic is staffed with caring and compassionate medical professionals that specialize in performing endoscopies and can help you determine the health of your digestive tract. Call us today or book an appointment. We have convenient locations to serve you in Jamaica NY, Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY and BEYOND.