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Endoscopy During Pregnancy in Bhubaneswar

Endoscopy During Pregnancy When Necessary

Endoscopy During Pregnancy in Bhubaneswar

A flexible tube equipped with a camera is inserted into the body during a prenatal endoscopy in order to study organs or tissues. Although typically safe, the hazards to the mother and foetus during pregnancy must be carefully considered before using it. If the hazards are outweighed by the clarity of the diagnosis, endoscopy could be required. For example, endoscopy may be essential to determine and treat the underlying cause of symptoms of gastrointestinal problems in pregnant women, such as severe stomach discomfort, bleeding, or blockage, in order to protect the health of both the mother and the foetus. Similarly, endoscopy test for pregnancy could be considered important in situations of suspected malignancies or other serious illnesses that call for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

However, the patient, obstetrician, and gastroenterologist should carefully consider the risks and benefits before deciding whether to proceed with an endoscopy during pregnancy. Modifications to the process, such as eliminating specific drugs and employing less sedation, can also help reduce any hazards to the developing foetus. All things considered, endoscopy during pregnancy can be safely conducted, provided the patient's medical requirements and gestational stage are appropriately taken into account. However, it is usually only performed for particular clinical purposes.

 

FAQ's

A long, thin tube is inserted straight into the body during an Endoscopy to view an internal organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract, in great detail. In addition, doctors can use it for other instances like surgery and imaging. Endoscopies, which involve bodily openings like the mouth or anus, are minimally invasive procedures. 
 

An endoscopy, when carried out by qualified doctors, is usually regarded as safe during pregnancy. However, a number of variables, including the gestational age, the endoscopic indication, and the kind of anaesthesia or sedation employed, affect how safe the surgery is. It's critical to consider the dangers versus the possible advantages and confirm that the operation is required for therapeutic or diagnostic reasons.

  • Your healthcare provider follows the following steps: 

  • Consultation: To determine whether an Endoscopy is necessary during pregnancy, the patient meets with her gastroenterologist and obstetrician.

  • Risk assessment: Considering the stage of pregnancy and the ailment that requires medical attention, the advantages and risks of Endoscopy are assessed.

  • Informed consent: The patient gives their consent after being made aware of the procedure's advantages and disadvantages.

  • Foetal monitoring: To guarantee the health of the unborn child, foetal monitoring may be carried out continuously throughout the process.

  • Sedation: Options for sedation are carefully selected to ensure patient comfort and reduce dangers to the foetus.

  • Procedure: A qualified gastroenterologist uses the right tools and methods to perform the Endoscopy.

  • Post-procedure monitoring: The foetus's health is given extra consideration as the patient is closely monitored for any issues or unfavourable reactions. 

  • Follow-up: The patient may need to schedule follow-up appointments to track their progress after receiving post-operative care instructions following the operation.

Generally speaking, endoscopy in pregnancy is only performed when there is a strong clinical rationale that justifies the procedure's hazards to the mother and foetus. Severe gastrointestinal symptoms, such as ongoing vomiting, stomach discomfort, gastrointestinal bleeding, or suspected gastrointestinal cancers, are common indicators. The patient, obstetrician, and physician should carefully evaluate and debate the option to continue with an endoscopy before making a decision.

 

Endoscopy during pregnancy may be necessary for several reasons, such as the assessment of 

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms that do not improve with conservative treatment

  • Unexplained abdominal pain 

  • Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding

  • Suspected gastrointestinal obstruction

Furthermore, it can be required for the identification and treatment of illnesses such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastrointestinal tumours, and inflammatory bowel disease, which carry a high risk of harm to the health of both the mother and the foetus if left untreated. Nonetheless, Endoscopic operations are usually saved for situations in which the advantages outweigh the possible hazards, with careful attention being given to the condition's urgency, gestational age, and potential effects on the health of the mother and foetus. 

Depending on the clinical reason, many endoscopic procedures can be carried out when a woman is pregnant. These include colonoscopy, which visualises the colon and rectum, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD), which examines the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Furthermore, in certain situations, tests like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) may be necessary.

Endoscopy in pregnancy is contraindicated when:

  • Unstable maternal condition or serious medical illness at advanced gestational age, especially in the third trimester.

  • High-risk pregnancy with complications like placenta previa or placental abruption

  • Known foetal abnormalities or congenital anomalies.

  • Lack of a clear clinical indication for the Endoscopic procedure.

  • Incapacity to sufficiently monitor the health of the mother and foetus throughout the treatment.

  • Dangers of sedation or anaesthesia beyond possible advantages.

  • The presence of less hazardous alternatives for diagnosis or treatment could affect the health of the mother and foetus.

  • There is a shortage of qualified medical personnel to carry out the operation safely.

In order to reduce the dangers to the foetus while performing endoscopy during pregnancy, anaesthesia or sedation must be carefully considered. Wherever feasible, local anaesthesia or light sedation is preferred over heavy sedation or general anaesthesia. To reduce the possibility of harmful effects on the foetus, sedative medications should be chosen based on their safety profile and their dose adjusted accordingly.

Risks related to the Endoscopic process and its impact on the foetus exist while doing an Endoscopy during pregnancy. Among these dangers are:

  • Premature labour: During the process, manipulation of the uterus may cause contractions, which could result in early labour.

  • Foetal distress: Modifications in the mother's blood pressure, oxygen saturation, or the way anaesthesia is administered may have an impact on the foetus's health and may result in foetal misery.

  • Uterine perforation: During the procedure, there is a small chance of uterine perforation, which could result in bleeding or infection.

  • Complications from anaesthesia: There are dangers associated with administering anaesthesia, such as respiratory depression and allergic reactions, which can have an impact on the foetus as well as the mother.

  • Infection: Endoscopy carries the danger of infection, which may result in issues for both the mother and child.

  • Miscarriage: Endoscopy carries a small but possible risk of miscarriage, especially if the woman experiences severe stress or trauma during the procedure.

  • Radiation exposure: The foetus may be exposed to radiation during the process if imaging methods like Fluoroscopy are employed. This could affect the fetus's development.

When performing an endoscopy on a pregnant patient, some safety measures should be used to protect the mother and the foetus. These include verifying the gestational age and evaluating the patient's general state of health prior to the surgery. When imaging procedures like fluoroscopy are required, protective shielding should be employed and radiation exposure should be kept to a minimum. Furthermore, the treatments must be carried out in facilities prepared to manage any difficulties and by skilled gastroenterologists.

The risks of problems or adverse effects increase during the first trimester since your baby is still developing and forming important organs. Furthermore, sedation is not recommended during the third trimester due to the possibility of excessive discomfort and the possibility of early labour.

In certain instances, alternatives to endoscopy during pregnancy may be taken into consideration. Without requiring invasive procedures, imaging examinations like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound can offer important diagnostic information. However, the particular clinical indication and the pregnancy's gestational age determine which diagnostic technique can be used.

Before having an endoscopy, pregnant individuals should have a thorough discussion with their healthcare professionals to address any concerns and make sure they are making an educated decision. The rationale for the operation, possible risks and advantages, other possibilities for diagnosis or treatment, the management of anaesthesia and sedation, anticipated results, and post-procedure care are all topics to be discussed. The patient and the medical staff must communicate openly. 

While endoscopy is typically considered safe, there are some dangers involved with the procedure when a pregnant woman is involved. These include side effects from anaesthesia or sedation, haemorrhage, organ perforation, infection, and so on. Concerns over radiation exposure can also arise if imaging methods like fluoroscopy are included in the process.

It is possible to reduce the dangers of endoscopy during pregnancy in a number of ways. These include selecting patients carefully, doing a complete pre-procedure examination, using the right anaesthesia or sedation procedures, reducing radiation exposure, and making sure that problems are identified and managed quickly. Anesthesiologists, gastroenterologists, obstetricians, and other healthcare professionals must work closely together to maximise the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic treatments for expectant patients.

If you experience any symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or unusual changes in foetal movement after the procedure, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Prompt communication can help address any potential issues and ensure appropriate care.

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