Gastroscopy/Colonoscopy

Gastroscopy/Endoscopy – A simple and effective means to assess symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, reflux, difficulty swallowing or weight loss, by inserting a small camera through the mouth to get a clear view of the oesophagus, stomach and small intestine.

Shraddha Hospital Endoscopy Centre

At Shraddha Hospital Endoscopy Centre we pride ourselves in providing the highest standards in clinical and patient care.

Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy
Gastroscopy

A gastroscopy, also known as an endoscopy is a procedure performed by a doctor, a well-trained subspecialist who uses the endoscope to diagnose and, in some cases, treat problems of the upper digestive system.

The endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and light on the end.

By adjusting the various controls on the endoscope, the doctor can safely guide the instrument to carefully examine the inside lining of the upper digestive system.

Diagnostic Indications for Endoscopy
- Difficulty in Swallowing
- Persistent isolated nausea or vomiting. In the event of isolated nausea or vomiting persisting for more than 2 days, investigation of the upper gastrointestinal tract is justified after any non-gastrointestinal origin and acute intestinal occlusion have been eliminated
- weight loss or abdominal pain along with other investigations
- iron deficiency anaemia. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is recommended in iron-deficiency anaemia and/or iron deficiency, after any non-gastrointestinal origin has been eliminated
- Acute gastrointestinal bleeding originating in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is recommended as first choice in acute digestive bleeding which is assumed to originate in the upper gastrointestinal tract (hematemesis or melena)
- Gastro Oesophageal reflux (GORD). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is recommended if there are symptoms of gastro oesophageal reflux combined with warning signs (weight loss, dysphagia, bleeding, anaemia), or if there is a recurrence on withdrawal of treatment or resistance to medical treatment
Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a procedure used to view large intestine (colon and rectum) using an instrument called colonoscope (a flexible tube with a small camera and lens attached). The procedure can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, and abnormal growths. It is used to diagnose early signs of colorectal cancer, bowel disorders, abdominal pain, muscle spasms, inflamed tissue, ulcers, anal bleeding, and non-dietary weight loss.

The procedure is done under general anaesthesia. The colonoscope is inserted into the rectum which gently moves up through the colon until it reaches the cecum (junction of small and large intestine). Colonoscopy provides an instant diagnosis of many conditions of the colon and is more sensitive than X-ray.

The colonoscope is then withdrawn very slowly as the camera shows pictures of the colon and rectum onto a large screen. Polyps or growths can also be removed by colonoscopy which can be sent later for detection of cancer.

Instructions for colonoscopy

Your physician may provide you written instructions and also will be communicate verbally on how to get prepared for the colonoscopy procedure. The process is called bowel prep.

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract should be devoid of solid food; a strict liquid diet should be followed for 1 to 3 days before the procedure.

A laxative or an enema may be required the night before a colonoscopy. Laxative is medicine that loosens stool and increases bowel movements. Laxatives are usually swallowed in pill form or as a powder dissolved in water.