Duodenoscopy is utilized to check the lining of your stomach, esophagus, and duodenum. The esophagus is a muscular canal that links your neck through your abdomen and the upper layer of your small intestine, known as the duodenum.
Meanwhile, an endoscope is a pipe with a camera attached. This tube is sent down to your neck and down the center of your esophagus during a duodenoscopy exam.
Why Is Duodenoscopy Performed?
If you have specific symptoms, such as those listed below, your doctor may suggest a duodenoscopy test.
- Vomiting blood
- Severe, persistent heartburn
- Pain in the upper stomach
- Black stool
- Chronic vomiting or nausea
- Anemia
- Sudden weight loss
- A feeling that something is stuck in your sternum
- You feel full even after eating a small portion
- Difficulty or pain in swallowing
This test may also be used by your doctor to determine how well a therapy is working or to monitor problems if you have:
- Peptic ulcers
- Crohn’s disease
- Cirrhosis
How Will You Prepare For Duodenoscopy?
Your doctor will advise you to avoid painkillers and other anticoagulants for a short days before the duodenoscopy test.
Also, before the test, you won’t be allowed to consume anything at all for 6 to 12 hours. And those denture users will be requested to take them out for the examination. As with any medical examinations, you’ll be required to sign a consent form.
What Can You Expect After a Duodenoscopy?
After the test, a doctor will monitor you for approximately an hour to ensure that the anesthesia has gone off and that you are able to digest without trouble or pain.
It’s possible that you’ll feel bloated. You might also experience minor cramps or a sore throat. These adverse effects are entirely common and should subside within 24 hours. Wait to drink or eat until you can easily take it. Begin with a small snack after you’ve decided to eat.
Symptoms requiring urgent medical care include:
- Dizziness
- Trouble swallowing
- Extreme pain in the stomach
- Inability to drink or eat
- Vomiting
- Worsening of symptoms
- Urinating less than usual
- Having bloody stool
After the procedure, you will be informed of the results. They may request further tests before making a diagnosis or developing a course of treatment for you.
