Ongoing heartburn, vomiting, or abdominal pain are symptoms of concern that may benefit from an endoscopy at DLW Gastro Clinic in Homestead, Florida. Board-certified gastroenterologist Sandra Rodriguez, MD, performs endoscopy procedures to evaluate the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract to find out what’s causing your symptoms. Call the office or schedule an appointment with the skilled gastroenterologist online today.
You may need an endoscopy if concerning symptoms indicate a problem with your upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of your small intestine).
The board-certified gastroenterologist may recommend an endoscopy if you have ongoing problems with heartburn, abdominal pain, or vomiting, and other tests fail to provide definitive answers.
During an endoscopy, the gastroenterologist at DLW Gastro Clinic may look for:
They may also perform procedures during an endoscopy, such as an esophageal dilation for esophageal strictures or a biopsy of abnormal tissue.
The gastroenterologist at DLW Gastro Clinic gives you specific instructions on preparing for your endoscopy. To get clear pictures of your upper gastrointestinal tract, it needs to be empty of food and debris.
Your provider may ask you to start a clear liquid diet the day before the test and stop eating and drinking several hours before your scheduled appointment.
You may also need to adjust your medication schedule before your endoscopy.
The board-certified gastroenterologist sprays a numbing agent in your throat and administers a light sedative before your endoscopy to minimize discomfort. You shouldn’t feel any pain during your endoscopy, but you may feel some pressure.
During the test, your gastroenterologist inserts an endoscope into your mouth and slowly advances it through your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera that sends images of your upper gastrointestinal tract to a computer monitor.
An endoscopy usually takes about 30 minutes.
After your endoscopy at DLW Gastro Clinic, you go to the recovery area for monitoring. The gastroenterologist talks to you about the preliminary findings and sends you home. They may schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss test results and develop a treatment plan.
You must arrange to have someone drive you home following the endoscopy and plan to take it easy the rest of the day.
Call DLW Gastro Clinic or schedule your endoscopy consultation with the board-certified gastroenterologist online today.