Endoscopy

Gastroenterology located in St. Clair Shores and Macomb, MI

Endoscopy services offered in St. Clair Shores and Macomb, MI

When you have symptoms like abdominal pain or difficulty swallowing, you may need diagnostic testing like an endoscopy to determine what’s causing your symptoms. G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C. is a full-service gastroenterology practice in St. Clair Shores and Macomb, Michigan, that performs endoscopy procedures. The highly skilled team has advanced training to assess, diagnose, and treat conditions using endoscopy tools. Call the office nearest you to schedule an appointment.

Endoscopy Q&A

What is endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a particular tool to allow doctors to look inside your body without having to make large incisions. However, when talking about an endoscopy, it most often refers to an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy.

During an upper GI endoscopy, the team uses an endoscope ― a thin tube with a light and camera — to evaluate the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).

Why would I need an endoscopy procedure?

Your gastroenterologist at G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C., explains why you need an endoscopy procedure at your consultation. You may need the test to find out why you have ongoing heartburn, dysphagia, or abdominal pain.

The team performs the upper GI endoscopy to diagnose conditions such as:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Barrett’s esophagus
GI bleeding
GI cancers
Celiac disease
Esophageal strictures — narrowing of the esophagus
Esophagitis — inflammation of the esophagus
Esophageal dysphagia

During the endoscopic test, your gastroenterologist may take tissue samples to confirm or rule out suspected diagnoses. They also perform procedures during an upper GI endoscopy to treat conditions like esophageal strictures.

What do I do to prepare for an endoscopy?

The G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C. team provides specific instructions on preparing for your endoscopy.

In general, you need to stop eating and drinking at least eight hours before your scheduled test. If you take heart or blood pressure medication, you can take your medication at least two hours before your test with small sips of water.

If you take any blood-thinning medication or supplements, the team may request you stop taking these drugs several days before your endoscopy to reduce the risk of bleeding.

What happens during an endoscopy?

G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C., has ambulatory endoscopy centers at both offices where they perform endoscopy procedures. The team aims to make you as comfortable as possible during your endoscopy, and you may receive a sedative to help you relax.

Your gastroenterologist uses a numbing agent on your throat to reduce discomfort during the test. Once you’re ready, they insert the endoscope in your mouth and slowly advance it through your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, looking for problems that require evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.

You shouldn’t feel any discomfort during your endoscopy. The entire treatment takes 15-20 minutes.

After the endoscopy, you go to the recovery area, and your gastroenterologist discusses the results of your test with you. You must have someone drive you home and plan to take it easy the rest of the day.

To find out more about endoscopy at G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C., call to schedule an appointment.