Risks of endoscopies
An endoscopy is a very
safe procedure. Rare complications include:
·
Bleeding. Your risk of bleeding complications
after an endoscopy is increased if the procedure involves removing a piece of
tissue for testing (biopsy) or treating a digestive system problem. In rare
cases, such bleeding may require a blood transfusion.
·
Infection. Most endoscopies consist of an
examination and biopsy, and risk of infection is low. The risk of infection
increases when additional procedures are performed as part of your endoscopy.
Most infections are minor and can be treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may
give you preventive antibiotics before your procedure if you are at higher risk
of infection.
·
Tearing
of the gastrointestinal tract. A tear in your esophagus or another part of your upper
digestive tract may require hospitalization, and sometimes surgery to repair
it. The risk of this complication is very low, but it increases if additional
procedures, such as dilation to widen your esophagus, are performed.
·
Reaction
to sedation. Prior to your
upper endoscopy, you'll likely be given sedation so that you'll be better able
to tolerate the procedure. The type of sedation varies, and adverse reactions
are possible, but rare. You will be monitored closely during the procedure to
reduce the risk of serious reaction.
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