Endoscopy queries

[condor]

I'm due to have a gastroscopy later this week organised by my GP.
I had a CT scan 2 weeks ago, organised by the hospital consultant, and the results are known to be a calserized pancreas with a cyst on it. I'm to see the hospital consultant to discuss the CT scan results and the op that I'll have to have a few days after I'm supposed to have the endoscopy procedure.

Is the gastroscopy likely to be neccessary? The cause has been found. Unless it's to take a biopsy/internal pictures/video etc. I can't see the point of it.

My question is does an endoscopy take pictures/ video? All I can gather is it can take a biopsy. I spoke to my GP Tuesday and he said he'd phone me back once he's seen the results...he hasn't so far.

[dgb00]

Yes, it can take video/pictures. You can also take biopsies, and with certain procedures (ERCP) it is possible to inject dye into the biliary tree and track it on an X-ray image intensifier. This would show any blockages in the biliary tree. They wouldn't rely purely on CT for diagnosis!

[condor]

Thanks for that info - at least I now understand why it might be neccessary.

[condor]

I've postponed the gastroscopy that was supposed to be happenning this friday after finding out that the ERPC dye treatment mentioned is done by the x-ray dept and not the endoscopy dept. My GP, who was supposed to be calling me back after he'd seen the results, is this week on holiday. I've gone with the liver doctor's secretary that I don't do anything till I see him next week.

[dgb00]

It might be done in radiology as you need the equipment to view the contrast, but will almost certainly be done by a gastroenterologist wielding the scope. It doesn't sound screamingly urgent if you are having it as an outpatient, so have a chat with your doctor when he/she gets back.

BTW, it's ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogry). ERPC is evacuation of retained products of conception, I.e. post miscarriage. Hope that helps!

[condor]

Thanks for all your help it's very much appreciated

I looked up the ERCP so I knew better what you were talking about - I just got the letters mixed up when I was posting.
I'm seeing the liver doctor this Tuesday ( he's also in charge of gastro stuff as well) and only visits the hospital one day a week.
I'm on the 2 week list - so gastroscopy has only been postponed till 21st Dec if/when it's confirmed that I actually need it...or need something else instead.

What I do think is a waste of NHS resources is even though I can talk to receptionists and explain the situation they keep saying that they have to abide by this 2 week rule. The hospital doesn't seem to talk to various departments - I thought it was all computerised anyway! My 1st appointment was postponed as being too close to the CT scan and the results from that were to be looked at - which has now resulted in the 2nd appointment having to be postponed.

Presumably other people have filled the time slots I vacated - but it's not efficient to operate like this.

[condor]

Saw the consultant earlier today - the postponed endosopy is now going ahead in a weeks time. I saw the images of the CT scan on the computer and various bits (mainly the stomach) were blacked out. I was told this was because it was gas...and that the need for the endoscopy was to get pictures of the stomach.