Gastrointestinal Care

Gastrointestinal (GI) health plays a pivotal role in our overall well-being. When faced with unexplained symptoms like persistent abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or gastrointestinal bleeding, your healthcare provider may recommend a gastrointestinal endoscopy to diagnose and treat underlying issues.

What is Gastrointestinal Endoscopy? Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of your digestive tract using a thin, flexible tube with a camera called an endoscope. This versatile tool enables visualization of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon, helping doctors identify various conditions such as ulcers, polyps, inflammation, and even cancer.

The Types of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy:

• Upper Endoscopy (EGD): This procedure examines the esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine.
• Colonoscopy: It focuses on the large intestine and is essential for colon cancer screening.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A shorter version of a colonoscopy, concentrating on the lower part of the colon.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Involves swallowing a tiny camera in the form of a pill to capture images as it travels through your digestive system.

Before the Procedure:

• You’ll be given instructions on fasting and medication adjustments.
• Inform your doctor of any allergies or underlying medical conditions.

During the Procedure:

• You’ll receive sedation or anesthesia to ensure comfort.
• The endoscope is carefully inserted through your mouth or rectum, depending on the type of endoscopy.

After the Procedure:

• You may experience mild discomfort, which typically subsides quickly.
• A responsible adult should accompany you home.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a valuable tool in diagnosing and treating digestive issues. It helps doctors make informed decisions about your GI health, ensuring you receive the best possible care.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are two advanced medical procedures that play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating digestive and pancreatic conditions.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):

EUS combines endoscopy and ultrasound to provide detailed images of your digestive organs. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube with an ultrasound probe is inserted through the mouth or rectum, allowing the doctor to examine the walls of the esophagus, stomach, and the surrounding organs, including the pancreas and bile ducts.

EUS is particularly valuable for:

• Detecting tumors or lesions within the digestive tract.
• Evaluating pancreatic and biliary diseases.
• Guiding fine needle biopsies for precise tissue sampling.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP):

ERCP is used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts and pancreas. It involves threading a flexible endoscope through the mouth into the small intestine to access the bile and pancreatic ducts. Dye is then injected, making these ducts visible on X-rays.

ERCP is effective for:

• Diagnosing and treating bile duct obstructions or stones.
• Managing chronic pancreatitis.
• Removing gallstones from the bile ducts.

Oesophageal obstruction, a blockage in the oesophagus, can lead to discomfort and health complications. Recognizing the symptoms is crucial, and so is understanding the available treatments, including endoscopic options:

Symptoms:

• Difficulty Swallowing: The primary symptom is struggling to swallow food or liquids.
• Pain or Discomfort: Chest pain or discomfort, particularly during swallowing.
• Regurgitation: Food or liquid coming back up into your mouth.
• Heartburn: Frequent heartburn and acid reflux may accompany the condition.
• Coughing or Choking: These symptoms can occur when substances enter the airway.

Endoscopic Treatments:

• Endoscopy: This procedure, utilizing a flexible tube with a camera, can diagnose and often treat oesophageal obstructions. The doctor can remove or alleviate blockages during the endoscopy.
• Dilation: If a narrowing or stricture is causing the obstruction, dilation during endoscopy involves stretching the oesophagus to widen it.
• Stent Placement: In severe cases, the doctor may insert a stent, a tube-like device, to keep the oesophagus open.

Early diagnosis and the appropriate treatment, including endoscopic interventions, are vital for managing oesophageal obstruction. If you experience symptoms, seek medical care promptly to ensure effective resolution and safeguard your health.

Enteral feeding is a medical method to provide essential nutrition to individuals who cannot consume food orally. Whether due to medical conditions, surgeries, or swallowing difficulties, enteral feeding ensures that patients receive the nutrients their bodies need. Here’s a closer look at this vital aspect of healthcare:

Types of Enteral Feeding:

• Nasogastric Tube (NGT): Inserted through the nose into the stomach, NGT is common for short-term feeding.
• Nasoenteric Tube: Similar to NGT, this tube extends into the small intestine, bypassing the stomach. It’s used when stomach feeding isn’t an option.
• Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube): Surgically placed through the abdominal wall into the stomach for longer-term feeding.
• Jejunostomy Tube (J-Tube): Inserted into the small intestine through the abdomen for individuals with stomach issues.

Care to Be Taken:

• Hygiene: Maintain strict hand hygiene during tube handling.
• Positioning: Keep the head elevated during and after feeding to prevent aspiration.
• Tube Care: Ensure the tube remains secure, clean, and unobstructed.
• Medication Compatibility: Verify if medications can be administered through the enteral tube.
• Monitoring: Regularly check for signs of infection or dislodgment.

Enteral feeding is a crucial lifeline for those who need it. Your healthcare team will guide you through the process, ensuring proper nutrition and minimal complications. If you or a loved one requires enteral feeding, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek support to ensure a safe and effective feeding regimen.