Acid Reflux Endoscopy

The role of endoscopy in the management of acid reflux ,GERD ,heartburn and is for patients and the public.

The video will attempt to answer the following QUESTIONS:
What is endoscopy or gastroscopy ?
When does a doctor usually order an endoscopy ?
What is NERD or non erosive reflux disease ?
What is reflux esophagitis ?
What are the three main complications of long standing acid reflux ?

WORD INDEX:
• Endoscopy is a procedure where a doctor inserts a flexible tube to look inside the gastro-intestinal system.
• Gastroscopy is endoscopy of the oesophagus and stomach.
• Erosion is a superficial break in the lining of of the oesophagus.
• Non erosive reflux disease or NERD is a a type of acid reflux where the lining of the oesophagus is normal.
• Reflux oesophagitis is a type of acid reflux where there are erosions or ulcers in the lining of the oesophagus.
• Barrett’s oesophagus are precancerous changes that occur in the lower oesophagus after many years of acid reflux.
• oesophageal stricture is a narrowing of the oesophagus due to scar tissue, and happens after many years of acid reflux.

SUMMARY:
The main investigation for acid reflux is endoscopy. The endoscopy findings could be normal, or show features of erosions or ulcers in the oesophagus and sometimes complications of long standing acid reflux , namely Barrett’s oesophagus, stricture and cancer.

It is the fifth in the series of videos on acid reflux. The videos are easy to understand and tries to use everyday language as far as possible. The videos are full of images and follow a standard format of topic objective, word index, content and summary. Each topic covers diagnosis, investigation, management and prevention. Videos are an average of between 5 to 10 minutes. I created the videos, using my over 30 years of experience in managing patients with gut and liver problems . I am a gastroenterologist and hepatologist and was trained in Edinburgh , United Kingdom, and Tokyo and have worked in academia and the private sector.

As the adage goes “A picture is worth a thousand words”. I believe combining images and explanations using blackboards, helps one better understand a medical condition. With knowledge, a person gets a better sense of control, and hence is empowered to make informed decisions.