Find Top Gastroenterologists in Hyderabad

When should consult a gastroenterologist immediately?

If symptoms are severe, such as abdominal pain, regular weight loss, trouble swallowing, persistent vomiting, or bleeding from the digestive tract (for example, you cough up vomit with blood or find blood in your stool), one should consult a gastroenterologist. These symptoms indicate life-threatening conditions for which it is best to seek early medical advice.

What procedures do gastroenterologists perform?

Common procedures include:

• Endoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Liver biopsy
• Sigmoidoscopy

Are any risks with procedures endoscopy and colonoscopy?

Endoscopy and colonoscopy are generally considered safe procedures, but they do carry some risks.

Risks of Endoscopy

1. Perforation: A rare but serious complication where a tear occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, which may require surgical intervention. The risk varies based on the area examined but can be as high as 2%–36% for esophageal perforation.

2. Bleeding: Minor bleeding can occur, especially if a biopsy is performed or polyps are removed. This usually resolves on its own, but in some cases, further treatment may be needed.

3. Infection: Although rare, infections can develop at the endoscopy site, particularly if additional procedures are performed simultaneously.

4. Sedation-related complications: These can include respiratory issues or cardiovascular problems due to the sedative used during the procedure. Over-sedation is a concern, and monitoring is essential to manage any adverse reactions promptly.

5. Post-procedure discomfort: Patients may experience bloating, sore throat (if the endoscope was inserted through the mouth), or mild cramping after the procedure.

Risks of Colonoscopy

1. Perforation: Similar to endoscopy, there is a risk of perforation during colonoscopy, particularly when polyps are removed. The risk is estimated to be between 1 in 2500 and 1 in 11,000 procedures.

2. Bleeding: This may occur from biopsy sites or polyp removal and can sometimes persist for up to two weeks post-procedure.

3. Infection: As with endoscopy, there is a slight risk of infection following colonoscopy procedures.

4. Cardiopulmonary complications: These can arise from sedation and may include issues such as transient hypotension or respiratory distress.

5. Bowel preparation side effects: The preparation for colonoscopy can lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances due to extensive bowel cleansing before the procedure.

Find Other Specialty Doctors in Hyderabad

Top 10 Dermatologists in Hyderabad | Top 10 General Physicians in Hyderabad | Top 10 Cardiologists in Hyderabad | Top 10 Gynecologists in Hyderabad | Top 10 Endocrinologists in Hyderabad | Top 10 Nephrologists in Hyderabad | Top 10 Orthopedic Doctors in Hyderabad | Top 10 ENT Specialists in Hyderabad | Top 10 Neurologists in Hyderabad | Top 10 Ophthalmologists in Hyderabad