OSCE Gastroenteriology Investigations Flashcards
(55 cards)
What is an endoscopy?
A test that lets the doctor look directly inside your food pipe, stomach, and the first part of your small bowel.
What is the purpose of an endoscopy?
To find out what’s causing symptoms like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or tummy pain.
What should you avoid before an endoscopy?
Eating or drinking for about 6 hours beforehand.
What can you expect during an endoscopy?
You’ll be lying on your side, offered a throat numbing spray, and possibly a mild sedative.
How long does an endoscopy usually take?
About 10–15 minutes.
What are the common risks associated with endoscopy?
- Sore throat
- Bleeding
- Tear in the lining of the food pipe or stomach
- Reaction to the sedative
What should you do after an endoscopy if sedated?
Have someone take you home and avoid driving or signing legal documents for 24 hours.
What is oesophageal manometry?
A test that helps us understand how well your food pipe is working.
Why might someone need oesophageal manometry?
If they have trouble swallowing, food gets stuck, or for certain treatments like reflux surgery. Once we’re done, we take the tube out straight away, and you can usually go home shortly after.”
What happens during oesophageal manometry?
A thin, soft tube is passed through your nose into your food pipe while you swallow water. This test measures how strong those squeezes are and whether they’re happening in the right order. It also checks if the valve at the bottom of the food pipe, which connects to your stomach, is working properly.”
What happens after oesophageal manometry?
You can usually eat and drink as normal straight after. If you’ve had any sedation (which is rare for this test), you’ll need someone to take you home and you shouldn’t drive for 24 hours. Most people don’t need any sedation at all.”
- Discomfort or gagging
- Sore nose or throat
- Rare nosebleed or irritation
What is triple testing for breast disease?
A method to check a lump or change in the breast using three steps.
What are the three steps of triple testing?
- Clinical Breast Exam: * The doctor will talk to you about any changes you’ve noticed, like a lump, pain, or change in size.
- Then they will gently feel your breasts and under your arms to check for anything unusual.
- Imaging (Mammogram or Ultrasound)
-> mammogram is a low dose X-ray to the breast
-> ultrasound creates sound waves to create a picture - Tissue Sample (Biopsy) if there is anything unusual, using a thin needle. The area is numbed to reduce pain.
What is a colonoscopy?
A test that lets a doctor look inside your large intestine using a thin, flexible tube.
What preparations are needed before a colonoscopy?
Emptying your bowels with a special drink and eating only clear liquids the day before like apple juice, tea or broth.
- Avoid red or purple drinks (they can look like blood during the test).
What can you expect during a colonoscopy?
A thin tube is guided through your bottom into your colon, usually taking about 20 to 45 minutes. * You’ll be given medicine to help you relax or sleep through the test. * If the doctor sees anything unusual—like a polyp—they might remove it or take a small sample to check in the lab.
There is little to no pain because of the medication given.
What are the common risks associated with a colonoscopy?
- Bloating or gas
- Bleeding
- Small tear in the bowel
- Reaction to the sedative
Patients will need someone to drive them home and they may feel sleepy for a few hours. If a polyp is removed, avoid heavy lifting or intense activity for a day or two.
What is a barium scan?
A special type of X-ray that helps doctors see your digestive system more clearly.
What are the types of barium scans?
- Barium swallow – checks your throat, food pipe (esophagus), and stomach.
- Barium meal – looks at your stomach and the first part of your small intestine.
- Barium enema – checks your large intestine (colon and rectum) by placing barium through your bottom
What should you do before a barium scan?
Avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand from midnight and follow any bowel prep instructions.
During scan doctor * will take a series of X-rays while you’re standing or lying in different positions.
* You may be asked to hold your breath briefly during the X-rays.
* The test usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
What are the risks associated with a barium scan?
The test is usually not painful, but:
* The barium drink can taste chalky and may feel thick.
* You might feel bloated or full during and after the test and can discuss with doctor for using laxative if it persists despite drinking lots of fluids
* The enema version may cause mild cramping or pressure in your tummy.
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Small chance of blockage
- stools can look pale or white for a few days
- Exposure to low X-ray radiation
What is an MRI?
A test that takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body using strong magnets and radio waves which don’t show up on X-rays. There is no radiation
What should you do before an MRI scan?
Answer safety questions and remove any metal objects. A contrast dye may be given.
If sedation is given, food should be avoided
What are the risks of an MRI?
Generally very safe, but can cause anxiety in claustrophobic patients.
Risk of allergic reaction to contrast dye and people with metal implant or medical devices may not be able to have MRI.
