Stomach pain, bloody stools, doctor advises! It's time for a gastroscopy and colonoscopy

When it comes to endoscopy, many people often have various questions, such as whether it is safe, if there are any side effects after the procedure, what symptoms require an endoscopy, and whether one should have an endoscopy if there are no symptoms, etc. Today, Dr. Udomrat Kowitwiphat, a specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology at the Gastrointestinal and Liver Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital, will answer questions about this topic.

If you have these symptoms, you need to have a stomach or colon endoscopy

1. Bloody stool, vomiting blood, frequent vomiting
2. Unexplained anemia
3. Unexplained weight loss
4. Symptoms do not improve after taking medication
5. Abnormal bowel movements or alternating diarrhea and constipation
6. Family history of stomach or colon cancer

What abnormalities can stomach and colon endoscopy detect?

“For stomach endoscopy, we use it to detect ulcers or masses in the stomach, including stomach cancer. For colonoscopy, it is used to detect ulcers or masses, abnormal blood vessels, bleeding symptoms, bloody stools, as well as colon cancer.”

Is stomach and colon endoscopy safe?

“It is generally quite safe with very few side effects. Patients do not need to worry, and with proper preparation, the effectiveness of the examination and treatment can be greatly improved.”

What are the dangers of neglecting stomach and colon endoscopy?

“For some diseases, if we wait until symptoms appear, such as colon cancer where patients come to see the doctor with bloody stools and abdominal pain, most are diagnosed at the final stage of cancer, which may be too late for treatment.”

If there are no abnormal symptoms, is it necessary to have a stomach or colon endoscopy?

“It is necessary because it is a risk screening. Early detection allows timely treatment and can lead to recovery. The groups of people who should undergo screening even without symptoms are as follows:

• People aged 50 and over should have a colonoscopy
• People with a family history of cancer should be screened before age 50

Or for those who have the mentioned symptoms even if they are under 50 years old, they should see a doctor for consultation and have a stomach or colon endoscopy to reduce the risk of disease or prevent cancer from spreading and progressing, which increases the chances of successful treatment.”