Endoscopy Specialist
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Gwinnett Digestive Clinic, PC
Indran B. Indrakrishnan , MD
Gastroenterology located in Lawrenceville, GA
When it comes to diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal issues, the most effective procedure is an endoscopy. At Gwinnett Digestive Clinic, PC in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Indran Indrakrishnan, MD, performs endoscopies to take a close look inside his patients’ bodies to accurately identify and treat the causes of gastrointestinal issues. If you want to know how an endoscopy can help you, book an appointment online or over the phone.
Endoscopy Q & A
What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows Dr. Indrakrishnan to get a close view of your upper digestive tract, including your:
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Upper section of your small intestine
During an endoscopy, Dr. Indrakrishnan inserts a thin, flexible scope with a lighted camera into your mouth and down your throat. The camera delivers real-time video images, which Dr. Indrakrishnan views on a monitor.
In addition to providing images of your upper digestive tract, Dr. Indrakrishnan is also able to perform the following during an endoscopy:
- Take a tissue sample
- Remove an obstruction
- Cauterize tissue
- Dilate narrowed areas
This glimpse into the inner workings of your upper digestive tract allows Dr. Indrakrishnan to get to the bottom of your gastrointestinal issues and often treat them without the need for more invasive procedures.
Why would I need an endoscopy?
Dr. Indrakrishnan typically performs endoscopies any time you have persistent nausea, heartburn, vomiting, bleeding, anemia, or difficulty swallowing, in order to find the underlying cause, which may be attributable to:
- Abdominal ulcers
- Celiac disease
- Gastritis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
This list is not comprehensive and doesn’t include acute problems, like obstructions. The bottom line is that if you’re suffering from a gastrointestinal issue, and the cause isn’t readily identifiable, the best way to find out the problem is to perform an endoscopy.
Does an endoscopy hurt?
An endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that generally doesn’t cause pain. To ensure your comfort, Dr. Indrakrishnan first gives you anesthesia or a sedative, which means you should arrange for a ride home after the procedure.
To prepare for your procedure, you shouldn’t eat anything beforehand. Dr. Indrakrishnan will let you know how long before your procedure you should avoid eating and drinking, but it’s usually eight hours.
After your procedure, your throat may be sore, but this side effect generally resolves itself within a day or two.
To see if an endoscopy is right for you, call Gwinnett Digestive Clinic, PC or book an appointment online.
