Endoscopy Specialist
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Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology
Mehrdad Asgeri, MD
Gastroenterologist located in Palm Springs, CA & Rancho Mirage, CA
If you’re having symptoms of upper gastrointestinal problems, an endoscopy can help to uncover the root cause of your issues. At Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology, leading gastroenterologist Mehrdad Asgeri, MD, regularly performs endoscopy as a diagnostic and treatment procedure. Call the Palm Springs - serving Rancho Mirage, Indio, La Quinta, and Palm Desert, CA - call the office or click the online booking tool to arrange your consultation with Dr. Asgeri now.
Endoscopy Q & A
What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a diagnostic test that shows images of your upper digestive tract. For this test, Dr. Asgeri uses a slim, bendable tube with an integrated camera and light to evaluate your esophagus, stomach, and the duodenum (the first part of your small intestine).
Depending on what Dr. Asgeri finds during the endoscopy, he can also perform some types of treatment during endoscopy, such as removing abnormal tissue (polyps), opening up areas of scar tissue (strictures), or taking a small section of tissue for testing (biopsy).
An endoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy, but it focuses on the opposite end of your digestive tract.
If necessary, Dr. Asgeri can combine endoscopy with an ultrasound to get images of areas that a standard endoscopy may not reach, such as the pancreas.
When might I need an endoscopy?
Dr. Asgeri may recommend an endoscopy if you're having symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Ongoing nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain with a healthy heart
- Unexplained weight loss
By evaluating these symptoms through an endoscopy, Dr. Asgeri can confirm or rule out conditions such as Barrett's esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and digestive system cancers.
What should I do before an endoscopy?
Ahead of your endoscopy, a member of the Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology team gives you preparation instructions. You typically need an empty stomach, so you may need to fast beginning 4-8 hours before the procedure.
If you're currently taking medication, particularly blood thinners, Dr. Asgeri may advise you to stop taking that drug temporarily.
How does an endoscopy work?
You receive a sedative, so you'll sleep through the procedure. Starting from your mouth, Dr. Asgeri moves the endoscope through your digestive tract until stopping at the duodenum. He examines your digestive tract, and performs any necessary treatments at that time.
After the procedure, you wake up in the recovery room. You can't drive because you'll be groggy for a while, so a friend or family member can take you home once you're awake.
Endoscopy is a safe and reliable procedure that can give you the answers you need. If you're having GI symptoms and need to find out why, call Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology or click the provided link to schedule now.