An Endoscopy in Puerto Vallarta, Why is This Diagnostic Study So Important?
A Completely Safe Procedure that Helps Detect and Prevent Diseases
Do you want to schedule an endoscopy study in Puerto Vallarta? You are in the right place. An endoscopy in Puerto Vallarta is a safe and uncomplicated procedure. Keep reading and schedule your appointment today.
An endoscopy is a procedure that gastroenterology specialists use to observe and study the interior of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Which includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first 30 centimeters of the intestine. An endoscopy can detect certain digestive diseases such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Ulcers
- Gastritis
- Cancer
In addition, thanks to this study, specialists can determine the causes of stomach pain, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss. It is also used to:
- Treat conditions, such as bleeding from ulcers and/or esophageal varices
- Remove polyps or other abnormal growths
- Perform biopsies
- Remove objects or food in the upper digestive tract
What is an endoscopy used for and how is it performed?
An endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that observes and detects digestive abnormalities. Additionally, some minimally invasive surgeries can be performed using this method. During an endoscopy study, our experts will use an instrument called an endoscope. This medical device is a thin, flexible tube with a small light and a camera at the tip that will allow our doctors to see the inside of your body.
To insert the endoscope and study the body without problems, our staff will ask you to lie on your back with your head resting on a pillow. Afterward, the endoscope will go through your mouth and into your throat. Passing through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first 30 cm of the intestine). You do not have to worry, our experts use a small amount of anesthesia, so you will feel no pain or discomfort.
How should I prepare before my endoscopy?
Preparing for an endoscopy is quite simple. However, we recommend that you follow the personalized instructions given to you by your doctor. This is important since you may have to make some changes in your diet.
If you would like to get an endoscope study at Hospital CMQ, our doctors will ask you not to consume food or drinks at least 8 hours before your study. You need to follow these instructions to obtain accurate results in your study. Similarly, we recommend that you speak directly with your doctor if you are taking medications and/or have any medical conditions that do not allow you to fast. Our doctors are available 24/7 to help you answer any questions you may have.
What can you expect during an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is an ambulatory procedure, which means you will not have to spend the night in the hospital. This study lasts between 10 to 15 minutes and you will not feel pain. For this procedure, you will have to lie on your back. Since the endoscope is so thin, it will not cause nausea and will not affect your breathing. It is crucial that you notify our medical team if you wear dentures or have piercings in the mouth area since it will be necessary to remove them.
As mentioned above, the endoscope has a lens and a camera that takes video; this is transmitted to a monitor to be analyzed and stored. In your case, if suspicious areas or polyps are observed, our specialist will proceed to take biopsies and/or remove them. Likewise, the endoscope can introduce air into the stomach, which helps get a better visualization of the interior.
What You Can Expect After this Procedure
At the end of your endoscopy, your mouth and throat may feel numb. Once the sedation wears off, your throat may feel scratchy and/or hoarse, and you may also cough. In addition, since the air was introduced, you may experience some swelling and/or cramping. However, rest assured that within 24 hours you will feel great.
For your comfort, we recommend that you go to your study accompanied by a family member and/or friend. This is important because at the end of your endoscopy, it will be necessary for someone to help take you home and keep an eye on you at all times.
Also, if you had a biopsy done during the procedure, the results will generally be available during the next few days after your study. Similarly, in order to provide you with the most comprehensive care, our specialist will schedule a follow-up appointment with you to analyze your results and give you a personalized treatment.
Schedule your Endoscopy in Puerto Vallarta!
The best endoscopy specialists in Puerto Vallarta are at Hospital CMQ.
Frequently Asked Questions about an Endoscopy Study in Puerto Vallarta
An endoscopy is a completely safe procedure that is used to detect diseases in the esophagus, stomach, and intestine. In addition, it allows for biopsies to be taken. It also allows for the treatment of bleeding, ulcers, reflux and esophageal varices, polyps, and more.
An endoscopy is not painful. This study is performed under anesthesia, so you will not feel pain or any kind of discomfort. At the end of the study, you may experience discomfort and/or irritation in your throat. Fortunately, this discomfort will disappear in the hours following the procedure.
A digestive endoscopic exploration lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. However, our doctors state that this time is an estimate. If removal or biopsy is necessary, this time may vary.
An endoscopy is not dangerous. However, like any medical procedure, there are certain risks. According to our expert, Dr. Carlos Olivares, these risks will depend largely on the patient’s history and the degree of irritation of the esophagus and/or stomach. Likewise, if the patient is bleeding or in a poor general state of health, there may be risks.