Do I Need Another Endoscopy for My Recurring Stomach Issues?

Q: Do I Need Another Endoscopy for My Recurring Stomach Issues?

Hello, Miss： If the symptoms persist despite ongoing treatment, further examination may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. <br>However, based on what you have described, it appears to be a gastrointestinal dysfunction (possibly influenced by post-surgical adhesions). <br>It i

If you frequently experience discomfort in your stomach, do you need to keep undergoing gastroscopy?

Hello! I would like to ask: I have been troubled by my stomach for a long time.
Previously, I only experienced occasional discomfort (bloating, a feeling of fullness, sometimes nausea, belching, and occasional symptoms of acid reflux, as well as occasional stomach pain).
Therefore, I underwent an upper endoscopy last August, and there were basically no significant issues, just mild inflammation (redness at the junction of the esophagus and stomach).
However, during the procedure, I experienced dry heaving, so the doctor mentioned that some images were not very clear.
Since the beginning of this year, the frequency of my stomach discomfort has increased, and the symptoms of acid reflux have become more severe.
I have been taking medication, but the relief is temporary, and the symptoms recur.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
In this situation, do I need to undergo another upper endoscopy? It has been less than a year since my last one.
2.
Is it possible that the upper endoscopy did not detect my ulcer or any other serious issues? 3.
I have had abdominal surgery (liver donation) in the past, does that really have an impact? However, that was four years ago.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

ku nao de ren, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/05/14

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, Miss: If the symptoms persist despite ongoing treatment, further examination may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
However, based on what you have described, it appears to be a gastrointestinal dysfunction (possibly influenced by post-surgical adhesions).
It is recommended to eat smaller, more frequent meals and manage with medication, and then discuss this with your gastroenterologist.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Chen Shidian

Reply Date: 2015/05/14

More Info

It sounds like you’ve been dealing with a lot of discomfort related to your stomach, and I can understand how frustrating that must be. Based on your description, it seems that your symptoms have worsened since your last endoscopy, which was performed less than a year ago. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Do you need another endoscopy? Given that your symptoms have intensified, it would be prudent to consider another endoscopy. While your previous endoscopy showed only mild inflammation, the increase in frequency and severity of your symptoms—such as gastroesophageal reflux, nausea, and abdominal discomfort—suggests that there may be underlying issues that need to be evaluated. Endoscopy is a valuable tool for visualizing the esophagus and stomach, and it allows for biopsy if necessary. If your doctor believes that your symptoms could be indicative of a more serious condition, such as an ulcer or even precancerous changes, a repeat endoscopy may be warranted.

2. Could the previous endoscopy have missed something? It is possible that the previous endoscopy did not capture all abnormalities, especially if you were experiencing discomfort during the procedure, which could have affected the quality of the examination. Endoscopies can sometimes miss subtle lesions or ulcers, particularly if they are located in areas that are difficult to visualize. If your symptoms are persistent or worsening, it is reasonable to suspect that there could be something that was not identified during the last examination.

3. Does your history of abdominal surgery affect your current situation? Having had previous abdominal surgery, such as liver donation, can potentially influence your gastrointestinal health. Surgical alterations can lead to changes in motility, scarring, or adhesions that may contribute to your symptoms. However, since this surgery occurred four years ago, it is less likely to be the primary cause of your current symptoms unless there have been complications or changes in your gastrointestinal anatomy since then.

In summary, given the worsening of your symptoms and the potential for missed diagnoses during your last endoscopy, it would be advisable to consult with your gastroenterologist about the possibility of undergoing another endoscopy. They may also consider other diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies or pH monitoring, to further evaluate your condition.
Additionally, it’s important to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and any concerns you have. They can provide you with the best guidance tailored to your specific situation. If you feel that your current provider is not addressing your concerns adequately, seeking a second opinion from another gastroenterologist could also be beneficial.
Remember, managing gastrointestinal issues often requires a comprehensive approach, including dietary modifications, medication adjustments, and sometimes procedural interventions. It’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare team to find the best strategy for your health.

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