1. Upper GI Endoscopy
An Upper GI Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the upper part of your digestive tract. The endoscope is passed through your mouth and throat to visualise your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
What This Test Shows:
- Inflammation or ulcers in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum
- Tumours or polyps in the upper digestive tract
- Causes of bleeding in the upper GI system
- Reasons for persistent heartburn or difficulty swallowing
- Signs of conditions like Barrett's esophagus
What to Expect:
- Takes about 15-30 minutes
- Requires fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure
- Sedation is usually provided for comfort
- Results are often available immediately, with biopsy results taking a few days
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2. CT Scan
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is an advanced imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
What This Test Shows:
- Presence of tumors, infections, or abnormal anatomy in the abdomen
- Detailed images of organs like the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and colon
- Signs of conditions such as Crohn's disease, appendicitis, or colon cancer
- Changes in the body resulting from trauma
What to Expect:
- Takes about 10-30 minutes for the actual scan
- May require fasting for 6 hours prior and drinking oral contrast
- Intravenous contrast might be administered
- Results are usually available within 24-48 hours
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3. MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the body.
What This Test Shows:
- Detailed images of soft tissues in the abdomen
- Abnormalities in the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and spleen
- Signs of inflammation, infection, or cancer
- Blood flow in abdominal vessels
What to Expect:
- Takes about 20-60 minutes
- Requires lying still in a cylindrical machine
- May involve the use of contrast material
- Results are typically available within a few days
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4. Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of organs and structures inside the body.
What This Test Shows:
- Structure and movement of abdominal organs
- Presence of gallstones or kidney stones
- Signs of liver disease or tumors
- Blood flow in abdominal vessels
What to Expect:
- Takes about 30 minutes
- Requires fasting for a few hours before the test
- Involves applying gel to the skin and moving a transducer over the abdomen
- Results are often available immediately
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5. Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to examine the entire large intestine (colon) and rectum.
What This Test Shows:
- Presence of polyps or tumours in the colon or rectum
- Signs of inflammatory bowel disease
- Causes of chronic diarrhoea, constipation, or rectal bleeding
- Abnormal growths or changes in bowel habits
- Early signs of colorectal cancer
What to Expect:
- Takes about 30-60 minutes
- Requires bowel preparation the day before the procedure
- Sedation is provided for comfort
- Results are often available immediately, with biopsy results taking a few days
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6. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
ERCP is a procedure that combines endoscopy and X-ray imaging to diagnose and treat problems in the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts.
What This Test Shows:
- Blockages or narrowing in the bile ducts
- Gallstones in the bile ducts
- Tumours in the pancreas or bile ducts
- Causes of jaundice
- Causes of pancreatitis
- Leaks in the biliary or pancreatic ducts
What to Expect:
- Takes about 30-90 minutes
- Requires fasting for several hours before the procedure
- Sedation or general anesthesia is provided
- May require a short hospital stay
- Results are often available immediately, with some tests taking a few days
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7. Liver Biopsy
A liver biopsy involves removing a small sample of liver tissue for examination under a microscope.
What This Test Shows:
- Extent of liver damage or disease
- Presence of fatty liver disease
- Signs of cirrhosis or fibrosis
- Liver cancer or other tumours
- Causes of abnormal liver function tests
What to Expect:
- Takes about 20-30 minutes for the procedure
- Local anesthesia is used
- May require stay in the hospital for a few hours after the procedure
- Results usually available within a few days
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8. Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy uses a small, pill-sized camera that you swallow to capture images of your digestive tract, particularly the small intestine.
What This Test Shows:
- Conditions such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease
- Small bowel tumours
- Sources of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Polyps in the small intestine
What to Expect:
- Procedure typically takes about 8 hours as the capsule moves through the digestive tract
- Requires fasting for about 10-12 hours before the procedure
- Generally painless with the capsule passing naturally through bowel movements
- No recovery time is needed after the capsule exits the body
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9. Manometry
Manometry is a test that measures the pressure and muscle contractions in your esophagus or rectum. It involves inserting a thin, pressure-sensitive tube into the esophagus or rectum.
Types of Manometry
- Esophageal Manometry: Measures pressure within the esophagus and its sphincters. Used to evaluate patients with dysphagia, heartburn, regurgitation, or chest pain. It can diagnose motility disorders like achalasia and assess esophageal function before certain procedures.
- Anorectal Manometry: Evaluates the anorectal sphincter mechanism and rectal sensation. Used for patients with incontinence or constipation. It can help diagnose conditions like Hirschsprung disease and provide biofeedback training for fecal incontinence.
- Gastroduodenal Manometry: Monitors pressure in the gastric antrum, duodenum, and proximal jejunum. Used for patients with suspected dysmotility who have normal gastric emptying studies or are unresponsive to therapy. It can differentiate between muscular and nerve disorders affecting motility.
- High-Resolution Manometry: A more advanced form of esophageal manometry that provides detailed pressure measurements along the entire length of the esophagus. It can be combined with impedance planimetry to evaluate bolus transit.
- Sphincter of Oddi Manometry: Measures pressure within the sphincter of Oddi, which controls the flow of bile and pancreatic juices into the duodenum. Used to diagnose sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.
What This Test Shows:
- Strength and coordination of muscle contractions in the esophagus or rectum
- Abnormalities in the lower esophageal sphincter function
- Causes of swallowing difficulties or chest pain
- Reasons for chronic constipation or fecal incontinence
- Diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or diffuse esophageal spasm
What to Expect:
- Takes about 30-45 minutes
- Requires fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure
- No sedation is typically needed
- Results are usually available within a few days
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10. Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS)
Endoscopic Ultrasonography combines endoscopy with ultrasound to create detailed images of the digestive tract and surrounding organs.
What This Test Shows:
- Detailed images of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and rectum walls
- Pancreatic tumours or cysts
- Bile duct stones or tumours
- Staging of gastrointestinal cancers
- Abnormalities in nearby organs like the liver or lymph nodes
What to Expect:
- Takes about 30-60 minutes
- Requires fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure
- Sedation is usually provided for comfort
- Results are often available immediately, with biopsy results taking a few days
Read more on Endoscopic Ultrasonography
11. Enteroscopy
Enteroscopy is a procedure that allows examination of the small intestine using a long, flexible tube with a camera. There are different types, including double-balloon, single-balloon, and spiral enteroscopy.
What This Test Shows:
- Causes of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding
- Small intestinal tumours or polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease affecting the small intestine
- Causes of unexplained diarrhoea or malabsorption
- Abnormalities in the small intestine not visible on other imaging tests
What to Expect:
- Takes about 45-90 minutes, depending on the type of enteroscopy
- Requires fasting for 8-12 hours before the procedure
- Sedation or general anesthesia is usually provided
- May require staying in the hospital for a few hours after the procedure
- Results are often available immediately, with biopsy results taking a few days
Read more on Enteroscopy
12. Barium Studies
Barium studies use a specialised X-ray procedure where a barium solution is ingested or administered to highlight the digestive tract. It provides detailed images of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or colon.
What This Test Shows:
- Structural abnormalities in the digestive tract
- Esophageal strictures or achalasia
- Stomach or duodenal ulcers
- Intestinal blockages or diverticula
- Swallowing difficulties and reflux disorders
What to Expect:
- Requires fasting for about 6-8 hours before the test
- A barium solution is consumed or introduced rectally, depending on the area being studied
- X-ray imaging is performed to track the movement of the barium
- Non-invasive and typically takes 30-60 minutes
- Mild temporary constipation may occur as the barium passes through the system
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