What Is An Endoscopy Procedure? Types, Preparation & What to Expect

• An endoscopy is both a diagnostic and treatment tool. A GI endoscopy procedure lets your doctor examine the lining of your digestive tract in real time and treat problems like bleeding, polyps, and blockages during the same session.
• There are three main types: a gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum; a colonoscopy examines the large intestine and rectum; and ERCP targets the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts.
• Certain symptoms should not be waited out. Blood in the stool, vomiting blood, persistent abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss all warrant a prompt consultation with a GI specialist in Bangkok.
• Colonoscopy is the most effective screen for colon cancer. Adults over 50, or those with a family history of colorectal disease, should have one done, even without symptoms.
• A gastroscopy procedure can detect stomach cancer early. It gives your doctor a direct view of the stomach lining and the ability to biopsy anything suspicious on the spot.
• Proper preparation requires fasting 6–8 hours before any endoscopy procedure. For a colonoscopy, full bowel preparation the day before is essential for an accurate result.

Sedation makes the endoscopy procedure comfortable. Recovery in-center takes around 2–3 hours, and you will need someone to take you home.

• Nakornthon Hospital's GI Center is a fully dedicated facility with its own preparation rooms, endoscopy suites, and recovery area, and GI specialists in Bangkok available to provide quality care.

have these symptoms"

• Abnormal bowel movements
• Alternating diarrhea and constipation
• Blood in stool
• Chronic abdominal pain

What Is an Endoscopy? Understanding Diagnostic & GI Endoscopy Procedures

Gastrointestinal endoscopy uses a flexible insertion tube with small cameras and bulbs are attached to the distal part. This special technique is used for upper endoscopy, which examines the esophagus, stomach, duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), and upper GI tract; and lower endoscopy, which examines the anus, rectum, and large intestine (colon) . It is used to detect abnormalities, such as wounds, gastrointestinal mucosa, various lumps, inflammation, or acid reflux.

In addition, treatment can be carried out during the endoscopy procedure, such as stopping bleeding where it occurs. Most importantly,if the doctor finds abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract, he can immediately take a biopsy and send it for examination.

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When Is A GI Endoscopy Procedure Necessary?

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy procedure is one of the techniques that is very useful in treatment and diagnosis. This procedure helps detect gastrointestinal diseases and, as a result, supports its timely treatment. Patients experiencing chronic abdominal pain are candidates for endoscopic examinations. So are patients who have undergone treatment with medication but have had no improvement or have other symptoms such as weight loss, loss of appetite, and chronic vomiting are observed.

In addition, diagnostic endoscopy is suitable for people who are at risk for gastrointestinal diseases or cancer and have abnormal excretions, and people older than 50 years. Colonoscopy is also one of the most effective screenings for colon cancer, the most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in Thailand, as it is usually diagnosed when symptoms are already advanced.

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Types of Endoscopy Procedures: Gastroscopy, Colonoscopy & ERCP

The endoscopic technique is an examination for abnormalities using a long, small and curved probe with a small video camera and light at the end; the video is recorded and displayed on the screen. It involves the examination of the walls of the digestive tract from the esophagus.

Depending on the part of the organ, GI endoscopy can be divided into 3 types of examinations.

• Endoscopy procedure to examine the esophagus gastroscopy (EGD)
• Colonoscopy
• Endoscopic examination of the biliary ducts and pancreas (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography or ERCP)

Upper Endoscopy Procedure: Gastroscopy or EGD

In an Esophagus Gastroscopy (EGD) procedure, the endoscopy enters the mouth, through the esophagus into the stomach and duodenum. The Esophagus Gastroscopy procedure is performed when the patient is suffering from dysphagia, is vomiting blood, or has abdominal pain, such as the feeling of tightness and twisting of the abdomen. It is used for diagnosing esophageal disease, stomach, and duodenum to identify inflammation, ulcers, tumors or strictures in these organs. If abnormalities are found, doctors may use therapeutic instruments.

Colonoscopy: Screening for Colon Cancer

This endoscopy procedure starts from the anus to examine the distal colon. This test is recommended for people with abnormal bowel symptoms such as constipation; regular diarrhea; alternating constipation, diarrhea, bloody stools, and blood transfusions; or abnormal smelling stools. It can also be recommended for individuals who have bloating or lumps in the stomach, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Individuals over 50 years of age are advised to undergo this procedure. The rectum should be examined every 5-10 years, with common findings being intestinal inflammation, hemorrhoids, diverticula, polyps, and colon tumors.

ERCP: Bile Duct & Pancreas Examination

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the use of an endoscopic procedure to open bile ducts in the small intestine and inject contrast for more visibility on X-ray. This procedure identifies abnormalities in the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts and to treat obstructions of the bile ducts or pancreatic ducts by inserting a bile-drain. Indications for ERCP include jaundice, gallstones, blocked bile ducts. Tumors of the bile ducts or pancreas and for diagnosis prior to surgical treatment.

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Gastric Cancer Screening: When Should You Get a Gastroscopy?

Gastric (stomach) cancer is one of the more difficult cancers to catch early because its early-stage symptoms: mild indigestion, bloating, and a loss of appetite, are easy to attribute to other causes. By the time more obvious symptoms appear, the disease is often at an advanced stage.

A gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) procedure is the most direct way to screen for gastric cancer. It allows the physician to inspect the stomach lining directly and take biopsies from any areas of concern. It also detects Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, a bacterial condition that significantly increases the long-term risk of stomach cancer and gastric ulcers.

Gastric cancer screening via upper endoscopy procedure is particularly recommended for:

• Adults over 45, especially those with a history of chronic indigestion or reflux
• People with a family history of stomach cancer
• Patients who have tested positive for H. pylori
• Those with a history of gastric polyps or chronic gastritis
• Anyone with persistent upper GI symptoms that have not responded to treatment

If you are in any of these categories and have not had a gastroscopy within the past few years, speak to a GI specialist in Bangkok.

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How to Prepare for an Endoscopy Procedure

• Water and food must be abstained for 6-8 hours before getting tested.
• If there are removable dentures, it must be removed first.
• If it is a colonoscopy, the intestines or fecal catheters will be prepared before the examination.
• On the day of the examination, patients should bring a companion because the doctor may prescribe intravenous anesthesia and they may feel drowsy after the test. As such, it is not recommended to drive yourself after the examination.

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What Happens During an Endoscopy Procedure

Gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures are divided according to the type of examination, whether it is an Upper GI Endoscopy (stomach) or a Colonoscopy. The procedure is as follows:

• Nurses will measure vital signs and prepare the patient.
• In many cases, the doctor will administer a sedative or anti-anxiety medication intravenously to help the patient feel relaxed, comfortable, or sleep during the exam.
• During the exam, the doctor will pump a small amount of air into the organs to expand them for a clearer view of the walls.
• Images are sent to a monitor. If abnormalities like ulcers, inflammation, or polyps are found, the doctor may use small tools through the scope to perform a biopsy or immediate treatment, such as polyp removal or stopping a bleed.
• How long does it take? An upper GI takes about 15-30 minutes, while a colonoscopy takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on complexity.

Gastroscopy EGD Procedure

The patient will be given anesthesia, and the physician then inserts the device through the mouth, down the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This enables the doctor to see clear images of the organs on a screen. The average diagnostic endoscopy examination takes about 10-15 minutes, perhaps longer. If an abnormal lump is found, a biopsy will be taken, and if a sore or spot is found, it may be treated by abduction to stop the bleeding. The doctor will insert a small amount of air into the stomach to make it more visible.

Colonoscopy Procedure

The patient is given anesthesia to fall asleep. The physician then let the patient lie on his or her side during the examination. The doctor slowly inserts the camera into the anus and thoroughly examines the lining of the bowel. It usually takes no more than 45 minutes, with preparation time added. After the examination, you can recover in the room, which may take only 2-3 hours.

ERCP Procedure

The physician will apply a special anesthetic spray to the throat and insert a short plastic tube into the mouth to prevent the exam camera from biting. The doctor will insert an endoscopic exam camera through the plastic tube into the mouth and through the esophagus. When it reaches the open bile ducts in the small intestine, a contrast medium is injected. If abnormalities such as stones are found, the stones are removed, or the bile ducts or pancreatic ducts are blocked.

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Recovery After an Endoscopy Procedure

After an endoscopy procedure, the patient is moved to a recovery room until the effects of anesthesia or sedatives wear off. Patients may be required to stay for at least 24 hours without water or food to observe any abnormalities. After the examination, you may have a bloated stomach, but it will improve gradually. It is preferable to have relatives or friends to assist you. You should not drive, operate machinery, or drink alcohol for 24 hours after the test. Additionally, avoid spicy and fermented foods and alcohol for the first 2-3 days; opt to eat soft foods for a few days.

Possible Side Effects and Complications After an Endoscopy Procedure

• Tightness of the stomach, discomfort, and will frequently pass gas.
• Side effects of a gastroscopy procedure may include a sore or irritated throat, which improves in 1-2 days. For a colonoscopy, there may be bloating from the air pumped in, which improves after passing gas.
• There may be some bleeding from the small biopsy site, which will stop on its own. However, if the patient takes blood-thinning medications, it may increase the likelihood of bleeding inside the stomach.
• Pain in the lower abdomen or anus, which will gradually subside and disappear.
• However, if you have any abnormalities such as severe abdominal pain, tightness or bloating of the stomach, a high fever, vomiting blood, or black/bloody stools, see your doctor immediately.

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When to See a GI Specialist in Bangkok

Many people put off digestive investigations longer than they should, but the conditions that a diagnostic endoscopy can detect, including gastric cancer and colon cancer, respond significantly better to treatment when caught early.

If you have any of the symptoms described on this page, or if you are over 50, now is a practical time to schedule a consultation. A conversation with a GI specialist in Bangkok costs nothing in terms of commitment; it simply gives you the information you need to make an informed decision about your digestive health.

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Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Convenient and Not as Scary As You Think

Currently, gastrointestinal diseases tend to increase. Part of this is attributed to the lifestyle. It is a matter of eating at the wrong time, eating too much or too little food, stress, including uneven exercise. These factors can negatively affect the digestive system and cause gastrointestinal diseases in the future. Therefore, regularly monitor gastrointestinal diseases and intestinal disorders that require attention to abnormal signals of the body.

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Why Choose Nakornthon Hospital?

Nakornthon Hospital’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Center is a specialized medical center which delivers the best-quality service and treatment for intestinal and liver diseases. With therapeutic technology and advanced, standardized equipment, our expert physicians and well-trained team provide personalized care at all times.

Our Gastrointestinal and Liver Center offers one-stop services with state-of-the-art facilities, including endoscopy service, a bowel preparation room, and a recovery room. We maintain high standards with patient safety as our priority. Our tailored diagnosis and treatment programs minimize the risk factors for complications and reduce the length of hospital stays.

Currently, gastrointestinal diseases are on the rise due to the modern lifestyle habits of people today. These include irregular eating times, eating too much or too little, stress, and inconsistent exercise. All of these factors negatively affect the digestive system and can lead to gastrointestinal diseases in the future. Therefore, paying close attention to abnormal signs in the digestive system and intestines, and regularly monitoring any irregularities in the body, can help reduce the severity of these diseases.

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