What is Esophagoscopy?
Esophagoscopy is the procedure done to examine the
esophagus using an esophagoscope, which is a thin, tube-like
instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. Esophagoscopes
may also have a tool for taking samples of tissue to be
checked further under a microscope for any signs of disease.
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Effects of Esophagoscopy
Esophagoscopy is used to determine specific causes of
ambiguous symptoms like manifestations of acid reflux;
inflammation of the esophagus or esophagitis; esophageal
stricture or the narrowing of the esophagus; and
obstructions of the esophagus among others. This procedure
is also used for diagnosing other conditions as well.
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Candidates for Esophagoscopy
Esophagoscopy is best for those that need diagnosis and/or
treatment of certain conditions of the upper
gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
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Your
Consultation
During your consultation, you will be advised to not eat
anything at least 8 hours before the procedure. Also, the
injection of a drug that slows down peristalsis is
prohibited because that causes the X-rays to blur.
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The Esophagoscopy
Procedure
Esophagoscopy is done by placing the esophagoscope slowly
down through the mouth and into the esophagus. The purpose
is basically to look for any abnormalities that may be
causing difficulty in breathing, swallowing or feeding.
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Recovery
After the esophagoscopy, the patient may have a dry or sore
throat. Provide the patient with lots of water to relieve
discomfort. Any kind of coughing should be mild and will go
away after some time. Should there be any serious changes
or should the symptoms increase, the patient should go back
to the hospital and call the Otolaryngology or Ear, nose,
and throat (ENT) doctor immediately.
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Risks
Esophagoscopy has very little risks involved. The most
major being the perforation of the gastrointestinal (GI)
tract.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q:
What is an esophagoscope?
A:
An esophagoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a
light and a lens for viewing. Esophagoscopes also have a
tool for taking samples of tissue to be checked further
under a microscope for any signs of disease.
Q:
When is upper endoscopy used for treatment?
A:
Esophagoscopy can be used as a treatment tool for stretching
narrowed areas; removing benign growths; treating bleeding;
and retrieving swallowed objects.
Q:
Is the esophagoscopy painful?
A:
Esophagoscopy should be virtually painless. Local
anesthetic may be used, although the urge to gag when the
endoscope goes down on the esophagus cannot be stopped.
Q:
Are there possible complications in this procedure?
A:
Esophagoscopy risks happen rarely and include bleeding and
puncture of the stomach or intestinal wall. Minor problems
like sore throat, bloating, and cramping usually disappear
within the same day of the procedure.
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