What's an endoscopy?

Oh, babe, I’m so sorry you’ve been feeling so bad lately! While the extra tests—like an endoscopy—sound scary, getting over the nerves and going through with it will be worth it when you’re feeling better. Now, let’s get down to the facts.

An endoscopy is when specially trained doctors use an endoscope to look inside you. An endoscope is basically a teeny little video camera and light on the end of a long, narrow, flexible tube.

Depending on what areas your doctor wants to look at, the endoscope could be inserted down your throat or through your anus. While the procedure may be uncomfortable—you might be given a local anesthetic—it won’t last too long, probably around 30 minutes to an hour. They might decide to take a biopsy, or a small sample of something suspicious in your gastro-intestinal tract, but you shouldn’t worry about that. Just keep yourself calm and focus on feeling better again, and you’ll be just fine!

BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 9/4/2011 12:00:00 AM

POSTED IN eating, doctor, dealing with docs, advice