Running & Spinning.

Reflux is common chronic condition that normally present with heartburn and regurgitation (sour and bitter taste in the mouth). It can also sometimes affect the sleeping pattern (interrupted sleep) and hence the wellbeing of patients.

Conventional endoscopy can be normal in up to 70% of the patients. Hence the above test is used to measure the acidity within the food pipe and how frequently acid/non-acid is moving into your gullet from your stomach. It is used to investigate patients with persistent reflux symptoms despite taking acid suppression medications. Moreover, it is also used to evaluate patients with chest pain (not due to heart disease), atypical symptoms like chronic cough and hoarseness.

A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure for placing a feeding tube directly into the stomach with the assistance of an instrument known as an endoscope. The procedure is performed as a means of providing nutrition to patients who cannot take food by mouth because of underlying condition like stroke. Assessment is usually done prior to insertion to assess if PEG tube placement is suitable for patient.

OGD (oesophageal gastroduodenoscope) – Gastroscopy is a common procedure performed to allow direct visualization of the upper gastrointestinal tract (food pipe, stomach and duodenum) using a flexible instrument through which a live image passes. A gastroscopy is performed to evaluate symptoms like difficulty swallowing, stomach or chest pain, nausea and vomiting and anemia (low blood count). It can also be used to control bleeding from food pipe, stomach or duodenal ulcer.

Colonoscope – Colonoscopy is an investigation to evaluate inside the large intestine. It is used to investigate symptoms like abdominal pain, blood in the stool, change in bowel habit and screening for colon cancer in those above 50 years of age or those with strong family history of colon cancer. Colonic polyps can be removed during colonoscope.