Risks of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a procedure commonly used to diagnose and treat a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. During a gastrointestinal endoscopy, a flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the patient’s body to view the inside of the digestive tract. It is a relatively quick and safe procedure, but there are some risks associated with it. The most common risk of a gastrointestinal endoscopy is the potential for an infection. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth, and bacteria from the mouth can enter the stomach or intestines. This can lead to an infection, though the risk is low. Antibiotics may be prescribed before and after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection. Other risks associated with gastrointestinal endoscopy include perforation of the intestine, bleeding, and reactions to the sedation drugs used during the procedure. Perforation of the intestine is rare, but it can occur if the endoscope is inserted too deeply. Bleeding can occur if the endoscope damages the wall of the digestive tract. The sedation drugs used during the procedure can also cause reactions such as allergic reactions, low blood pressure, or breathing problems.