Endoscopy

What is an endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows Dr. Cho to view the inside of your digestive tract. 

He uses an endoscope, which is a long, thin instrument with a tiny camera attached to it, to see the inside of your body and make a diagnosis or complete minor surgical procedures. For example, Dr. Cho may use an endoscope to remove colon polyps during a colonoscopy.

What are the different types of endoscopies?

Numerous types of endoscopies exist, allowing Dr. Cho to view different areas of your body. For example, he uses:    

• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopies to view your esophagus and stomach
• Laparoscopies to see the inside of your pelvis and abdomen
• Colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies to view your large intestine
• Cystoscopies and ureteroscopies to see inside your urinary system

Dr. Cho lets you know which type of endoscopy, if any, is necessary to screen for, diagnose, or treat gastrointestinal health problems.

What should I expect during the procedure?

What you can expect during an endoscopy depends on the type of procedure you require:

Upper endoscopy

During an upper endoscopy, you lie down on a comfortable table. Dr. Cho offers you a sedative to ease anxiety and relax you during the procedure. You might also receive an anesthetic to numb your throat. Dr. Cho inserts an endoscope, which is a long flexible tube, into your mouth and esophagus. You’ll feel slight pressure but no pain during the procedure.

Colonoscopy

Prior to a colonoscopy you take a bowel preparation to empty your bowel, so it’s clean during the procedure. You’re given a sedative and pain reliever to relax you and make the procedure comfortable. Dr. Cho inserts a colonoscope into your rectum through your large intestine to view it and complete minor surgical procedures when necessary. You might experience mild cramping.

During both procedures, Dr. Cho uses a tiny camera to view images inside your digestive tract, collect tissues samples (biopsy) if necessary, or remove polyps. An upper endoscopy usually takes about 15-30 minutes, and colonoscopies might last 30-60 minutes.

What happens after an endoscopy?

After your procedure, follow Dr. Cho’s after care instructions and get plenty of rest. You might experience bloating, cramping, gas, or a sore throat after upper endoscopies, but these symptoms are temporary. You may also notice slight rectal bleeding for one to two days after a colon biopsy or poly removal.

Dr. Cho reviews his findings and lab results with you when they are ready and lets you know if additional treatments are necessary.

If you experience symptoms of a gastrointestinal problem, such as abdominal pain, cramping, or bleeding, call Samuel Cho, MD, PC, to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking tool today.