Endoscopy Specialist
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Gastroenterology Clinic of San Antonio
Nicholas P. Martinez, MD
Gastroenterologist located in San Antonio, TX
If you need an endoscopy, you want to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible and confident in your gastroenterologist’s skills. Nicholas Martinez, MD, is a board-certified specialist at Gastroenterology Clinic of San Antonio who works closely with the San Antonio Endoscopy Center to provide the highest standards of care for patients in the San Antonio area who are having an endoscopy. For professional, compassionate care in state-of-the-art surroundings, call Dr. Martinez’s San Antonio office or schedule an appointment online today.
Endoscopy Q & A
What is an endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to take a detailed look at the digestive tract. To perform the endoscopy Dr. Martinez uses an endoscope, a slim, flexible tube with a miniaturized camera and a light on the end.
He passes the endoscope into your mouth and down your throat, and the camera relays images of the inside of your digestive tract to a monitor. Using endoscopy, Dr. Martinez can view your esophagus, stomach, and the first section of your small intestine in real-time.
Dr. Martinez uses the information from these images to help him diagnose the cause of your symptoms.
When would I need an endoscopy?
Dr. Martinez uses endoscopy to aid in the diagnosis of gastroenterological symptoms such as:
- Upper abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bleeding in the digestive tract
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Acid reflux
Dr. Martinez can also use the endoscope to carry out a biopsy, where he takes a sample of tissue for analysis.
In some cases, Dr. Martinez can use endoscopy to treat problems of the digestive tract. If Dr. Martinez sees you have a bleeding ulcer, for example, he can pass instruments down the endoscope that he uses to stop the ulcer from bleeding.
What happens during the endoscopy procedure?
Your stomach needs to be empty to enable Dr. Martinez to get a clear view, so you need to fast before the procedure. Most patients can tolerate the endoscopy with a sedative that relaxes them and makes them sleepy. The sedative enables Dr. Martinez to carry out the endoscopy without causing any discomfort, and you should have few if any memories of the procedure.
The Gastroenterology Clinic of San Antonio is affiliated with the San Antonio Endoscopy Center, conveniently located in the same building. This affiliation means Dr. Martinez has access to state-of-the-art, specialist facilities in which to carry out your endoscopy, ensuring you have the greatest comfort and highest standards of care.
It usually takes around an hour for the sedative to wear off, after which you can go home, but you shouldn’t drive for the rest of the day. Dr. Martinez discusses his findings with you as soon as possible so you can start any necessary treatment.
If you need an endoscopy, Dr, Martinez has the skills and the facilities to provide you with the best possible experience and the most accurate diagnosis. Call the Gastroenterology Clinic of San Antonio or schedule an appointment online today.
