How to See Peptic Ulcer in Endoscopy

Peptic ulcers form in the lining of the esophagus, stomach and upper areas of the small intestine. These open sores result in a burning pain caused by stomach acid coming into contact with the area of ulceration. A doctor uses endoscopy to look for peptic ulcers. An endoscopy procedure uses a tiny camera attached to a tube passed down the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. Images from the endoscope appear on a TV monitor.

Instructions

1. Tell your primary care physician about symptoms of pain, nausea and vomiting, burning sensations along the GI tract, constipation and unexplained weight loss. Your doctor may recommend an endoscopy procedure to determine the presence of a peptic ulcer.


2. Blood tests help determine the cause of the ulceration. 90 percent of peptic ulcers are caused by a Helicobacter pylori bacteria infection. Peptic ulcers can also be caused by certain medications.


3. Schedule an appointment with a doctor who performs endoscopic procedures, usually an internist or gastroenterologist. This office procedure typically lasts less than 20 minutes.


4. Prepare for the procedure by following the instructions the doctor gives you. Stop eating and drinking 6 to 8 hours before the procedure to make sure the stomach is empty. You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, in the days leading up to the endoscopy.


5. Lay on your back on the examination table while the nurse connects machines to monitor breathing, heart rate and blood pressure during the procedure. A nurse administers a sedative through an IV to help you remain relaxed throughout the procedure.


6. A numbing spray numbs your throat and disables the gag reflex in preparation for the endoscopy insertion. A mouth guard holds your mouth open during the procedure. Turn on your left side for the procedure. Swallowing helps the tube enter the esophagus.


7. Images from the lens on the end of the tube transmit to a TV monitor and allow the doctor to view the lining of the esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine. The doctor watches for areas of abnormality or ulceration. Pictures of areas of concern are recorded for later examination.


8. Gentle air pressure fed into the esophagus helps the endoscope move easily through the GI tract. The air gently inflates the digestive tract and allows the doctor to examine all the folds in the tissue.


9. The doctor collects tissue samples of ulcerated areas of concern to undergo closer examination. A laboratory tests the sample for abnormal cells and the presence of the H. pylori bacteria. Special surgical tools remove polyps, if necessary.


10. At the end of the procedure, the doctor removes the endoscope from the digestive tract and your mouth. Recovery lasts up to one hour, during which you are monitored for adverse reactions to the sedative and pain medicine.


11. Results from the test for peptic ulcers are available immediately. Tissue samples sent to a laboratory require a few days for examination.


12. Treatment recommendations vary and include antibiotic medications to kill the H. pylori bacteria or medications to block or reduce acid production. Antacids help neutralize stomach acid and cytoprotective agent medications protect the lining of the digestive tract.