Should I Get Another Endoscopy for My Ulcer or Wait Three Months?

Q: Should I Get Another Endoscopy for My Ulcer or Wait Three Months?

Hello： It is recommended to consult your attending physician to hear their thoughts. <br>Director Cai Jin-ji from the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology.

I have a gastric ulcer. I underwent an endoscopy on February 10 of this year. During my follow-up appointment on August 3, my doctor advised me to have another endoscopy. My family is concerned about how often I need to have endoscopies. Should I follow my doctor's recommendation to have the endoscopy now, or should I wait for my next appointment in three months?

I have a gastric ulcer.
I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy on February 10 of this year.
During my follow-up appointment on August 3, my doctor advised me to have another endoscopy.
My family is concerned about how often I need to have this procedure.
Should I follow my doctor's recommendation and have the endoscopy now, or should I wait until my next appointment in three months to discuss it with my doctor?

Xiao Chen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/10

Dr. Cai Jinji reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: It is recommended to consult your attending physician to hear their thoughts.
Director Cai Jin-ji from the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology.

Reply Date: 2022/08/10

More Info

When it comes to managing a gastric ulcer, the decision to undergo another endoscopy (gastroscopy) should be based on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms, the findings from your previous endoscopy, and the recommendations of your healthcare provider.
In your case, since you had an endoscopy on February 10 and your doctor has advised another one on August 3, it is important to consider why your doctor is recommending this follow-up. Typically, endoscopies are performed to assess the healing of the ulcer, to check for any complications, or to rule out more serious conditions such as gastric cancer, especially if there are concerning symptoms like persistent pain, changes in appetite, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Your family’s concerns about the frequency of endoscopies are understandable, as many people may feel that such procedures are invasive and should be minimized. However, it is crucial to prioritize your health and follow your doctor's advice. If your doctor has recommended another endoscopy, it is likely because they believe it is necessary for your ongoing care.
Here are some key points to consider regarding your situation:
1. Monitoring Ulcer Healing: Gastric ulcers can take time to heal, and regular monitoring through endoscopy can help ensure that the ulcer is responding to treatment. If the ulcer is not healing as expected, further intervention may be necessary.

2. Assessing for Complications: Endoscopy allows for direct visualization of the ulcer and can help identify any complications, such as bleeding or perforation, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

3. Rule Out Malignancy: In some cases, especially in individuals over a certain age or with risk factors for gastric cancer, repeat endoscopy may be warranted to rule out malignancy. Your doctor may have specific reasons for wanting to ensure that there are no concerning changes in the gastric mucosa.

4. Symptom Management: If you are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, it is essential to communicate these to your doctor. They may decide that an earlier endoscopy is warranted based on your current condition.

5. Patient-Doctor Communication: If you have concerns about the frequency of the endoscopies, it is important to discuss these with your doctor. They can provide you with a clearer understanding of the rationale behind their recommendations and address any fears or misconceptions you may have.

In conclusion, while it is natural to be apprehensive about undergoing multiple endoscopies, it is essential to prioritize your health and follow your doctor's recommendations. If you feel uncertain, consider scheduling a discussion with your healthcare provider to clarify the reasons for the repeat endoscopy and to express any concerns you may have. Ultimately, your health and well-being should guide your decision-making process.

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