Endoscopy

Endoscopy

Endoscopy: Understand Everything before Doing It

Endoscopy, or upper digestive endoscopy, is a non-surgical procedure that uses a small camera to evaluate organs in the patient’s digestive system. The exam can evaluate the esophagus, stomach, and the initial region of the small intestine and is performed to aid in the diagnosis of diseases in these areas.

When to get an Endoscopy?

The indication for the endoscopy exam should be made by a Gastroenterologist, based on persistent symptoms or clinical changes.

Among the main reasons for performing the exam, the following stand out:

• Recurrent abdominal pains.
• Feeling of bloating.
• Frequent nausea and vomiting.
• Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux.
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
• Anemia with no apparent cause.
• Presence of blood in the stool or vomiting blood.
• Unexplained weight loss.

In addition, people with a family history of gastric cancer or who live with chronic liver diseases should have regular follow-up with upper digestive endoscopy.

Schedule your appointment with a Gastroenterologist at Instituto Medicina em Foco and investigate your symptoms with precision. Call +55 11 3289-3195.

Where to get Endoscopy in São Paulo?

Endoscopy is an essential exam for diagnosing various digestive conditions, and São Paulo offers a diversity of options for renowned clinics and hospitals. But how to choose the best place to perform the procedure? Below, we present some of the best alternatives in the city.

Personalized Treatment at Instituto Medicina Em Foco

For those who value more humanized and personalized care, the Instituto Medicina em Foco is an ideal choice. Here, the focus is not only on performing the exam, but also on caring for the patient in all stages of the process. With a team of dedicated specialists, the Institute guarantees welcoming and high-quality care.

At Instituto Medicina em Foco, each patient is treated uniquely, with personalized follow-up before, during, and after the endoscopy. This differential makes all the difference, especially for those seeking closer and more attentive care. In addition, the welcoming and peaceful environment contributes to making the exam more comfortable and with less anxiety.

Make your online or in-person appointment with a Gastroenterologist and have your upper digestive endoscopy with peace of mind and confidence at Instituto Medicina em Foco.

Options for Clinics and Hospitals in São Paulo

• Hospital Sírio-Libanês: One of the most respected institutions in Brazil, Hospital Sírio-Libanês offers excellence in diagnosis and treatment through endoscopy. Its modern infrastructure and highly trained team guarantee safety and precision in the procedure.
• Hospital 9 de Julho: A reference in minimally invasive procedures, Hospital 9 de Julho is another excellent choice for those seeking to have an endoscopy safely and efficiently in São Paulo.

How is the Exam Done?

To perform the exam, the healthcare professional prepares the patient with anesthesia and a plastic mouth guard to prevent them from biting the endoscope.

Then, the endoscope (a small flexible device with a camera and lighting at the tip) is inserted through the patient’s throat. This device produces real-time images of the areas it passes through, allowing the doctor to make an immediate assessment of these organs/regions.

Because sedation is used, many patients feel insecure about having it done, however, the medication is intravenous and short-acting. In addition, the patient remains under adequate cardiac and respiratory monitoring throughout the process.

In addition, during the exam, the doctor can perform interventions such as collecting biopsies, dilating narrowed areas, or removing small foreign bodies, if necessary.

The procedure is performed in a controlled environment, with modern equipment and a trained team to ensure the patient’s safety and well-being.

After the exam, the patient remains in a recovery room for about 30 to 60 minutes until the effects of sedation have completely passed.

It is common to feel slight discomfort in the throat in the following hours, but without intense pain or the need for medication.

Looking for a safe place to have your endoscopy with sedation in SP? Call Instituto Medicina em Foco: +55 11 3289-3195.

Endoscopy with Sedation: is it Safe?

One of the biggest fears of those who need to have an upper digestive endoscopy is sedation. The good news is that this procedure is safe, fast, and controlled when performed by qualified teams.

The sedation used is mild, administered intravenously, and is short-acting. Throughout the exam, the patient is monitored by an anesthesiologist who monitors vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygenation.

The safety of the procedure depends on the clinic’s structure, the team’s experience, and the protocol adopted. At Instituto Medicina em Foco, endoscopy with sedation in São Paulo is performed in an environment equipped with state-of-the-art technology and anesthesiology support, ensuring comfort and peace of mind.

Have questions about sedation? Schedule your appointment and get all your questions answered by a Gastroenterology specialist: +55 11 3289-3195.

Exam with Biopsy: when is it Necessary and What is it for?

During upper digestive endoscopy, the doctor may decide to collect fragments of the mucosa of the stomach, esophagus, or duodenum — this is called a biopsy.

This sample is sent for laboratory analysis, allowing the diagnosis of diseases such as:

• Helicobacter pylori infection.
• Celiac disease.
• Gastric or esophageal cancer.
• Chronic gastritis.
• Specific inflammations or structural changes in the mucosa.

The biopsy can also identify genetic and pre-cancerous changes, helping in the early detection of conditions such as intestinal metaplasia, which can progress to cancer if not treated properly. In patients with a history of chronic reflux, for example, a biopsy is essential to investigate signs of Barrett’s esophagus.

Another important benefit of the biopsy is the evaluation of fungal, viral, or parasitic infections, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Microscopic analysis of the collected tissue allows the doctor to understand the extent of the inflammation and the severity of the alteration present in the mucosa.

The procedure is painless, quick, and does not compromise the patient’s recovery. The results are usually released in a few days and help the doctor define the appropriate treatment more safely and accurately.

Need to have an endoscopy with a biopsy? Call Instituto Medicina em Foco: +55 11 3289-3195.

Preparation

Diseases that Endoscopy Helps Diagnose

Upper digestive endoscopy is one of the most complete tools for evaluating the upper digestive system. By allowing direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and part of the duodenum, the exam enables the diagnosis of numerous diseases with precision and speed.

Among the main conditions diagnosed by endoscopy, the following stand out:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): allows identifying inflammations caused by acid reflux, such as esophagitis and even intestinal metaplasia (Barrett’s).
• Gastritis and gastric or duodenal ulcers: the exam detects inflammations in the mucosa and lesions that cause pain and abdominal discomfort.
• Helicobacter pylori infection: with the collection of biopsies, it is possible to confirm the presence of this bacteria, which is associated with gastritis and ulcers.
• Gastric or esophageal cancer: endoscopy allows visualizing suspicious lesions and performing biopsies to confirm or rule out malignancy in early stages.
• Esophageal varices: common in patients with liver cirrhosis, the exam allows monitoring and prevention of serious bleeding.
• Celiac disease: changes in the mucosa of the small intestine can be observed, in addition to collecting samples for histological study.
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing): allows investigating structural or inflammatory causes that make swallowing difficult.
• Foreign bodies in the digestive tract: the exam can also be therapeutic, removing objects ingested accidentally.

By detecting these conditions early, endoscopy contributes significantly to the success of treatment and improves the patient’s quality of life.

Need to investigate digestive symptoms or perform biopsies? Schedule your endoscopy at Instituto Medicina em Foco in São Paulo (SP): +55 11 3289-3195.

Endoscopy in the Elderly: Special Care

Elderly patients tend to have a higher incidence of digestive diseases, such as gastritis, ulcers, and changes in swallowing.

Endoscopy is an essential exam for this population, as it allows the early detection of conditions that directly affect nutrition and quality of life.

However, extra attention is needed regarding sedation and preparation. Elderly people may be more sensitive to medications and have comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes, which require careful monitoring.

At Instituto Medicina em Foco, each patient is evaluated individually, ensuring greater safety throughout the process.

Schedule an endoscopy for the elderly with peace of mind at Instituto Medicina em Foco. Humanized care in São Paulo: +55 11 3289-3195.

Recovery after Endoscopy: What to Expect?

After the upper digestive endoscopy exam, the patient is directed to a rest room, where they will be monitored until the effects of sedation disappear completely.

This period usually varies from 30 to 60 minutes, and the patient must be accompanied by a responsible adult for release.

During the first hours after the procedure, it is common to feel:

• Slight drowsiness, due to sedation.
• Bitter taste in the mouth.
• Scratchy throat sensation.
• Slight swelling in the abdomen, caused by the introduction of air during the exam.

These effects are transient and disappear naturally. Light food can be resumed after a few hours, according to medical advice. If a biopsy has been performed, the doctor will explain how to proceed until the results are released.

In general, the return to daily activities can happen the next day, except in cases where the doctor indicates rest or specific follow-up.

Have your exam with peace of mind at Instituto Medicina em Foco, where safety and well-being come first: +55 11 3289-3195.

Endoscopist or Gastroenterologist: who Performs the Exam?

The exam can be requested by any specialist, as long as there is an indication for it. However, only the endoscopist can perform it, usually accompanied by an anesthesiologist.

The medical endoscopist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system through the performance of endoscopic exams.

The gastroenterologist or even the coloproctologist can also be a medical endoscopist. Because, after completing medical residency in areas such as internal medicine, general surgery, gastroenterology, or coloproctology, the doctor can complete a complementary specialization in the area of endoscopy to become an endoscopist.

Important to note: the title of specialist in Endoscopy is granted by the Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SOBED) after approval in a specific test, which guarantees greater technical safety for the patient.

In complete clinics such as Instituto Medicina em Foco, endoscopic procedures are conducted by certified professionals, with extensive experience and integrated work with other specialties of Gastroenterology.

This facilitates accurate diagnosis and referral for effective treatments when necessary.

Schedule your appointment with a Gastroenterologist in São Paulo (SP) at Instituto Medicina em Foco: +55 11 3289-3195.

When is the Exam Indicated?

Endoscopy also helps to diagnose other diseases, such as cancer, H. pylori gastritis, and celiac disease. The exam allows taking a sample from the stomach and duodenum (initial part of the small intestine) to assess whether the organs are normal. This biopsy, after being analyzed by a pathologist, can diagnose secondary diseases.

When is Endoscopy Indicated?

Endoscopy is an exam indicated to diagnose and treat various conditions of the digestive system, allowing the doctor a direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and part of the intestine. Knowing when endoscopy is indicated is essential so that the appropriate treatment can be started as soon as possible.

Main Indications for Endoscopy

Endoscopy is recommended in cases of persistent symptoms that may indicate serious problems in the digestive system, such as:

• Chronic abdominal pains: If you suffer from frequent pains in the abdomen and there is no clear diagnosis, endoscopy may be the necessary exam to understand the cause of the problem.
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): People who have difficulty swallowing food or liquids may need an endoscopy to investigate possible causes, such as obstructions or inflammations.
• Gastroesophageal reflux: Patients with persistent symptoms of reflux, such as heartburn and burning, can also benefit from endoscopy to assess the severity of the condition.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding: If there is suspicion of bleeding in the digestive tract, such as vomiting blood or darkened stools, endoscopy may be essential to locate the origin of the problem.

Performing Endoscopy in São Paulo

If your doctor has recommended the exam, choosing where to have the endoscopy in São Paulo is a crucial step. Opting for renowned institutions, such as the Instituto Medicina em Foco, is an excellent decision to ensure an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. At the Institute, in addition to counting on experienced professionals, the patient finds a welcoming environment and receives humanized care in all stages.

When considering where to have an endoscopy in São Paulo, it is worth choosing a clinic that offers not only technical expertise, but also care that values the patient’s well-being. Instituto Medicina em Foco stands out precisely for this differentiated care.

Difference between Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy

Many people don’t know, but endoscopy is not only for diagnosis. It can also be therapeutic, that is, used to treat certain conditions during the exam itself.

Diagnostic Endoscopy:

• Serves to investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain, reflux, nausea, and bleeding.
• Allows to perform biopsies and visualize the mucosa in real time.

Therapeutic Endoscopy:

• Removal of polyps.
• Dilation of areas with narrowing (stenoses).
• Cauterization of bleeding vessels.
• Ligation of esophageal varices.
• Removal of foreign bodies.

At Instituto Medicina em Foco, endoscopic procedures follow the guidelines of the Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy, ensuring safety even in therapeutic approaches.

Schedule your diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopy with the best specialists in SP: +55 11 3289-3195.

Why Choose Instituto Medicina Em Foco for your Endoscopy?

Instituto Medicina em Foco stands out for the union between technical excellence, humanized care, and modern structure. Located at Rua Frei Caneca, 1380, Consolação – São Paulo – SP – CEP 01307-000, the clinic offers easy access and convenience for patients.

Differentials that make the Institute one of the best options for performing endoscopy in SP:

• Multidisciplinary team with Gastroenterologist doctors and experienced Endoscopists.
• Performance of exams with safe sedation and anesthesiologist monitoring.
• State-of-the-art equipment to ensure diagnostic accuracy;
  Fast reports and complete post-exam support.
• Welcoming care, with a focus on comfort and active listening to the patient.
• Adequate structure for patients with special needs or physical restrictions.

In addition, Instituto Medicina em Foco also offers online and in-person consultations, facilitating access to digestive health in a practical and efficient way.

Schedule your endoscopy now at Instituto Medicina em Foco by phone +55 11 3289-3195 or on the website emfoco.med.br.

Endoscopy: Can the Price Vary?

Have you ever thought about having an endoscopy exam, but were worried about the price?

Endoscopy prices can vary, usually from R$400.00 to over R$1000.00, depending on the clinic, location, specializations, and what will be investigated during the exam.

But don’t worry! At Instituto Medicina em Foco, you will have access to the care of the best professionals in São Paulo and can have all your questions answered about this and other exams.

Book your appointment or exam now on the Instituto Medicina em Foco website. If you prefer, contact us by phone or WhatsApp:: (11) 3289-3195.