Facing the unknown can be incredibly daunting, especially regarding your health. That is why Dr Maahir Kariem and his team at Melomed Mitchell’s Plain are dedicated to making your endoscopy experience as comfortable and informative as possible, ensuring you understand every step.

What is endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows doctors to view the inside of your body without making large incisions. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera attached that examines your internal organs and the vessels of the body. This tool helps diagnose or even treat conditions that impact the digestive tract, lungs, and other areas.

What are the different types?

The two common types of endoscopy Dr Kariem performs are:

• Gastroscopy: Examines the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine.
• Colonoscopy: Inspects the lower bowel or colon. This is useful for investigating the large bowel and rectum.

Both procedures are pivotal in diagnosing and managing various conditions, providing crucial insights into your health.

Why would one need a gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy might be recommended if you have symptoms such as persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or gastrointestinal bleeding. It helps diagnose conditions like ulcers, gastritis, and celiac disease and can also be used to perform biopsies and remove swallowed objects.

What does the procedure entail?

Here’s what you can expect during your gastroscopy procedure:

1. Preparation:
   Before your procedure, you’ll need to fast for at least six hours to ensure your stomach is empty.
2. The Procedure:
   Arrival and Setup: When you arrive, our friendly medical team will greet you and make sure you’re comfortable. We’ll typically give you some sedation to help you relax.
3. Insertion of the Endoscope:
   Dr. Kariem will gently insert the endoscope through your mouth, guiding it down your esophagus to your stomach and duodenum. You should feel minimal discomfort, just a bit of pressure.
4. Examination and Treatment:
   The camera at the end of the endoscope sends live images to a monitor, allowing Dr Kariem to carefully examine the area. We can use special tools through the endoscope to take tissue samples or remove polyps if needed.
5. Completion:
   Once everything is checked, we’ll carefully withdraw the endoscope. The whole process usually takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on whether we need to do any extra steps.
6. Recovery:
   After the procedure, you’ll spend a little time in recovery while the sedatives wear off. Since sedation can affect your reflexes, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home afterward.

With Dr Kariem, your health and comfort during procedures like endoscopy are our highest priority. Dr Maahir Kariem’s expertise in conducting these examinations ensures you receive top-notch care and accurate diagnoses.

If you have symptoms requiring an endoscopy, please <link> contact us [link to contact page] to schedule a consultation. We are here to assist you with empathy and professionalism.