It is done on patients with esophagus and stomach symptoms that are persistent or keep recurring. It is also used to diagnose an abnormality found on x-ray. It can also be done to treat areas in the esophagus and stomach that are narrow and need to be stretched. The endoscope is a flexible black tube, a little bigger around than a pencil.
Light is transmitted through the scope and a picture appears on a screen much like a television.
In most cases, the physician will take pictures of any abnormality that will become a permanent part of your hospital chart and your chart in the physician s office. In some case, the physician will video-tape your procedure. It is in this area that your procedure will be done. On admission, you will have a nursing physical assessment and sign a Consent for Treatment form. An I.V. line will be started.