Endoscopy

Endoscopy: specialized diagnosis and treatment

Why is a digestive endoscopy performed?

Upper endoscopy is used to diagnose and, in some cases, treat various conditions affecting the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). At Panama Cancer Clinic, our gastroenterology specialists can recommend this procedure for:

Symptom evaluation

Endoscopy allows to identify the cause of digestive signs and symptoms such as:

• Stomach acidity
• Nausea and vomiting
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

Diagnosis of diseases and conditions

During endoscopy, it is possible to perform a biopsy (tissue sampling) to test for conditions that may cause:

• Anemia
• Inflammation or infections
• Digestive bleeding
• Chronic diarrhea
• Early detection of some types of cancer of the digestive system

Minimally invasive treatments

The endoscope also allows therapeutic intervention without the need for open surgery. Through specialized tools, it is possible to perform procedures such as:

• Bleeding control: Cauterization of bleeding blood vessels.
• Esophageal dilatation: Widening of a narrowed esophagus due to stricture.
• Removal of polyps: Removal of abnormal growths in the digestive mucosa.
• Removal of foreign bodies: Extraction of accidentally ingested objects.

Advanced endoscopy with high-definition imaging

In some cases, endoscopy is complemented with endoscopic ultrasound, which allows visualization of internal structures that are difficult to access, such as the pancreas and the stomach wall.

Modern endoscopes incorporate high-definition (HD) video technology and narrow-band imaging, which uses special light to improve the detection of premalignant lesions, such as Barrett's esophagus.

At Panama Cancer Clinic, we have state-of-the-art equipment and a medical team specialized in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy to guarantee a safe, precise and high quality procedure.

Risks and preparation for Digestive Endoscopy

Upper endoscopy is a safe procedure when performed by specialists in a controlled environment. However, as with any medical procedure, there are rare risks that should be considered. Despite its safety, some complications may occur on rare occasions:

Bleeding

The risk of bleeding is low, but may increase if a biopsy or therapeutic procedure is performed during endoscopy. In exceptional cases, bleeding may be significant and require a blood transfusion.

Infection

In most cases, the risk of infection is minimal. However, if additional procedures are performed, such as removal of polyps or esophageal dilations, the risk increases slightly. Infections are usually mild and treatable with antibiotics. In some patients at increased risk of infection, the physician may prescribe preventive antibiotics.

Perforation of the digestive tract

A tear in the esophagus, stomach or duodenum is an extremely rare complication (approximately 1 in every 2,500 to 11,000 diagnostic endoscopies). If it occurs, it may require hospitalization or corrective surgery. The risk is higher in therapeutic procedures such as esophageal dilations or polyp removal.

Reaction to sedation or anesthesia

Endoscopy is usually performed under sedation or light anesthesia for patient comfort. Although adverse reactions are rare, they may include changes in blood pressure, heart rate or shortness of breath. The medical team constantly monitors the patient to minimize any risks.

Alarm symptoms after endoscopy.

Although complications are rare, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience complications after the procedure:

• Persistent fever
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Dark, black or bloody stools
• Difficulty swallowing
• Severe or prolonged abdominal pain
• Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.

How to prepare for a Digestive Endoscopy

To ensure a safe procedure and optimal results, the specialist will provide you with specific instructions.

Previous fasting

You should avoid solid food for at least 8 hours and liquids for 4 hours before the procedure. This is necessary to ensure that the stomach is empty and to improve visualization.

Suspension of medications

If you take anticoagulant medications, you may need to temporarily discontinue them to reduce the risk of bleeding. Management of other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease will also be evaluated, so you should inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.

Recovery planning

Most patients receive sedation, which helps them relax and reduces discomfort during endoscopy. However, it is important to take precautions after the procedure:

• Do not drive: Ask a family member or friend to accompany you and drive you back home.
• Take the day off: Although you may feel alert, sedation can affect your memory, reflexes and decision making.
• Avoid important decisions: Do not make large purchases, sign contracts, or make financial or legal decisions for the next 24 hours.

What can you expect during and after a Digestive Endoscopy?

At Panama Cancer Clinic, we make sure that your procedure is as comfortable and safe as possible. Below, we explain in detail how the process will be performed. To perform the upper endoscopy, you will be asked to lie on a stretcher, either on your back or on your side. During the procedure, the medical team will take the following measures to ensure your well-being:

Constant monitoring

You will be connected to monitors to control your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing in real time.

Intravenous sedation

You will be given a sedative medication intravenously in your forearm to help you relax.

Local anesthesia in the throat

An anesthetic spray may be applied to numb the throat before inserting the endoscope. A mouth guard will also be used to keep the mouth open.

Introduction of the endoscope

The doctor will gently insert the flexible endoscope through your mouth and ask you to swallow to facilitate its passage down your throat. You may feel slight pressure, but you should not experience pain. As the endoscope moves down the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, various actions can be performed:

• Real-time visualization: A high-definition camera at the tip of the endoscope transmits images to a monitor so that the specialist can examine any abnormalities.
• Air inflation: A slight amount of air will be insufflated in the digestive tract to facilitate the displacement of the endoscope and improve the visualization of the folds of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. You may feel a slight sensation of satiety.
• Therapeutic procedures: If necessary, the physician may pass special surgical instruments through the endoscope to perform a biopsy, remove polyps or stop bleeding.

Once the scan is completed, the endoscope is slowly withdrawn. The total duration of the procedure is usually 15 to 30 minutes.

After Endoscopy

Once the procedure is completed, you will be moved to a recovery area, where you will remain for approximately one hour while the sedative wears off. During this time, the medical team will continue to monitor your condition.

Mild symptoms after the procedure

It is normal to experience some mild discomfort after endoscopy, such as:

• Bloating and gas
• Mild abdominal cramps
• Sore or irritated throat

These symptoms usually disappear within a few hours. However, if they persist or worsen, it is important to contact your doctor.

Endoscopy Results

The delivery time of the results will depend on the reason for the procedure:

Immediate results

If the endoscopy was performed to diagnose conditions such as an ulcer, the specialist may provide you with a preliminary report at the end of the procedure.

Biopsies and additional analysis

If a tissue sample was taken for biopsy, the results may take several days, as they will be analyzed in the laboratory.

At Panama Cancer Clinic, we are committed to providing you with an accurate diagnosis and a safe procedure, and our team is available to answer all your questions and accompany you every step of the way!

Frequently Asked Questions about Endoscopy