Endoscopy Archives - Maryland Bariatrics

Knowing the Difference: Colonoscopy vs. Endoscopy

Written on August 13, 2024.

If you’re not a medical professional, it’s unlikely that you truly know the difference between colonoscopy and endoscopy. To help you understand the complexities of both procedures, MD Bariatrics has put together this useful guide:

Colonoscopy

If a medical professional suspects you may be suffering from colorectal cancer, they will perform a colonoscopy. When considering the core nature of colonoscopy vs endoscopy, this is essential to remember. This important procedure allows doctors to look at and capture a detailed view of your entire large intestine and rectum. Colorectal cancer always begins as precancerous polyps that can form in your large intestine and rectum, so spotting them early on, and removing them, is key to preventing the disease.

Medical professionals recommend that every individual should have a screening colonoscopy before the age of 45. After this age, your doctor will help you determine when any additional screenings may be necessary. Many doctors will provide light general anesthesia to ensure the screened patient is kept comfortable during the procedure.

Benefits:

Since polyps can be removed during the colonoscopy itself, risky polyp build-up can be dealt with swiftly. In addition to colorectal cancer, the procedure can diagnose and help treat conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and diverticulitis. This information can help you more accurately understand how endoscopy and colonoscopy are similar but with different roles.

Endoscopy

Comparisons between endoscopy and colonoscopy can seem confusing at first but are much simpler than you might imagine. An endoscopy is considered a non-surgical procedure, and its purpose is to examine the medical health and state of your digestive tract.

Endoscopies are performed using a medical instrument known as an endoscope. These long, flexible, and thin tubes are camera-equipped to help medical professionals capture high-quality images of your rectum, stomach, throat, esophagus, and colon. If you have an endoscopy scheduled that’s concerned with your small intestine, however, doctors use pill-based wireless capsule cameras.

The number of images captured during an endoscopy can vary but can reach upward of more than fifty thousand. When considering endoscopy vs colonoscopy, it’s important to remember that endoscopies can usually be undertaken using minimal sedation.

Benefits:

Endoscopies are typically performed as an outpatient procedure, so your doctor can quickly diagnose and treat conditions ranging from GERD to ulcers. The minimal recovery time post-procedure allows patients to walk away from the office with little to no discomfort.

Should You Schedule a Colonoscopy or Endoscopy?

Colonoscopies are a common medical assessment for everyone before the age of 45, while endoscopies are typically performed on an as-needed basis. Consult with the MD Bariatrics team to determine if you suspect that you require either of these medical procedures or an upper endoscopy in Baltimore.

Unlocking the Secrets of Endoscopy

Written on March 4, 2024.

Learning about a medical procedure you need can be overwhelming. However, when you understand what an endoscopy is it can make you feel at ease, especially when considering the advanced services at Ascension Saint Agnes in Maryland. Here, different types of endoscopy unlock detailed views of your internal health, each with its unique role. Let’s break down the specific endoscopy procedures available and how they contribute to your wellness journey.

Types of Endoscopy Procedures and Their Uses

Endoscopy is a pivotal tool in modern medicine. It gives your doctor a detailed internal view that helps in precise diagnosis and treatment. Here are the different types of endoscopies and their uses:

Upper Endoscopy: This type of endoscopy looks at the upper digestive system. It can reveal conditions like acid reflux or ulcers.
Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is more than just a routine check. It is a thorough investigation of the colon and rectum used to catch early signs of trouble, guiding preventive measures against colorectal cancer.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): Merging endoscopy with X-ray flair, ERCP targets your biliary and pancreatic ducts, tackling obstructions or stones with precision.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Focusing on the sigmoid colon, this technique can spot signs of colorectal cancer so you get timely intervention.
Bronchoscopy: A bronchoscopy looks at your respiratory system and is a critical tool for diagnosing lung issues.
Cystoscopy: Getting a close-up of the bladder and urinary tract, cystoscopy is key in detecting and treating infections or stones. This type of endoscopy helps keep your urinary system in check.
Hysteroscopy: Peering into the uterus, hysteroscopy helps address female reproductive issues. It can provide clarity and treatment paths for conditions like abnormal bleeding or fibroids.
Laparoscopy: A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that doesn’t just diagnose an issue. It also aids in treating abdominal or pelvic issues, leading to quicker recovery and less discomfort.

Step Toward Health With Ascension Saint Agnes Bariatric Surgery

Start your journey in a place where you’re not just another patient. With us, you are the focus of a dedicated team that is ready to guide you through the different types of endoscopes and their uses. With our blend of expertise and compassionate care, your path to recovery after upper endoscopy in Baltimore is clear.

Discover Advanced Endoscopy in Baltimore

Why wait to address your health concerns? Contact Ascension Saint Agnes Bariatric Surgery today and explore how our different types of endoscopy procedures can illuminate the path to your well-being. Together, we can achieve a healthier tomorrow.

All About Upper Endoscopy Procedure

Written on July 22, 2021.

Whether you need it in advance of a surgical procedure or simply as a diagnostic tool for some mystery symptoms, an upper endoscopy can be quite helpful. However, if you have never had an endoscopy in Baltimore before, you might be feeling a bit nervous. At MD Bariatrics, we believe that knowledge is power, and better understanding the endoscopy procedure can alleviate some of the anxiety you experience. So, here is what you should know about getting an upper endoscopy.

What Is an Upper Endoscopy?

An upper endoscopy is a non-surgical diagnostic procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a light on it, called an endoscope. This scope is used to look at the digestive system, helping the doctor spot areas of concern. The camera transmits images to a screen in the room, and the feed is recorded so the doctor can later isolate images.

Which Parts of the Digestive System Are Viewed?

During the upper endoscopy procedure, the doctor will examine the following parts of the body:

Esophagus
Stomach
Duodenum (top portion of the small intestine)

While this might sound uncomfortable, you will be sedated for the procedure, making it painless for you.

How Do I Prepare for an Upper Endoscopy?

We will offer you all the tips for preparing for upper endoscopy in advance of your procedure. In most cases, this just involves fasting for at least 6 hours prior to the scheduled time of the endoscopy. Right before the procedure itself, we will numb the throat and give you both pain medicine and a sedative. This will make you feel a bit drowsy and relaxed, but you will not be fully asleep.

What Happens After an Upper Endoscopy?

Usually, patients need to rest for an hour or two as the sedative wears off. This also gives us a chance to monitor you for any issues that could arise. You may feel a bit bloated since the stomach is slightly inflated during the procedure. Some patients also find that their throat feels a little funny for the day after. At a follow-up appointment, the doctor will discuss their findings. This could take place the same day as the procedure, though if a biopsy is also taken, it will typically be delayed by a few days. From there, your GI specialist can formulate a treatment plan. To schedule your upper endoscopy in Baltimore, contact MD Bariatrics.

A Doctor and Patient Discussing At The Desk

Tips to Prepare for an Upper Endoscopy

Written on April 15, 2021.

Let’s be honest: nobody wants an endoscopy. Unfortunately, at some point in our lives, many of us will need to undergo a medical procedure that necessitates just that.

Upper endoscopy, also known as an EGD, is one such procedure. It is a non-surgical way for doctors to look at the digestive tract so that they can diagnose and treat some gastrointestinal diseases and disorders.

The procedure covers the esophageal tract, stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine. It is used to determine whether you have conditions like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), esophageal or intestinal strictures, Crohn’s disease, or Celiac disease

How an Upper Endoscopy is Done

The procedure uses a thin tube called a gastroscope. The gastroscope has a small light and video camera attached at the end. It is lowered into the mouth, through the esophagus, into the stomach, and then the duodenum. The video camera is used to capture and record the images seen by the tube and projects them onto a monitor.

Sometimes the gastroscope can have tools attached to it, whether it is to collect samples for a biopsy, or to perform procedures like laser therapy.

Upper Endoscopy Preparation Tips

Preparation for endoscopy requires avoiding certain foods, drinks, and medication at a specified time. Here are some endoscopy procedure preparations you can do to ease your anxiety:

Talk to your doctor: the most essential part of upper endoscopy preparation is talking to your doctor. The doctor will let you know what you need to prepare for the procedure, e.g. if you are on medication, which ones you should stop taking and at what time before the procedure. You can contact top rated bariatric surgeons in Maryland for any questions you have about upper endoscopy procedures.
Know when to stop eating and drinking: another prep for endoscopy you need to take is to stop eating and drinking well in advance of the procedure. This reduces the likelihood of your stomach contents refluxing and being breathed into the lungs. A weight loss surgeon in Maryland or anywhere else will tell you how many hours before the procedure you should stop eating.
Arrange for someone to take you home: an endoscopy might require sedation, and you will not be in a state to drive yourself home afterwards. Arrange for a friend or family member to take you home after the procedure.
Expect mild discomfort: Although the procedure is minimally invasive, you might experience some discomfort like a sore throat or bloating afterwards. You can use over-the-counter medications approved by your doctor, eat ice pops, or walk around regularly to ease the discomfort. The symptoms should clear within a few days.

Upper Endoscopy Baltimore

If you need an upper endoscopy in Baltimore, rest assured that the Ascension Saint Agnes Bariatric Surgery team of qualified doctors will conduct the procedure with the utmost expertise. At Ascension Saint Agnes Bariatric Surgery, you can also get top rated top rated bariatric surgeons in Maryland and weight loss surgeons for weight-loss surgeries in Maryland.