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Upper Endoscopy for HepB
I was asked about why there is a need for an upper endoscopy for HepB individuals.
This procedure is to check for the presence of varices (distended veins) in the esophagus and stomach, but usually when there is liver cirrhosis. If your sonogram is in the clear, you doctor may not think it's even needed.
You may want to do the upper endoscopy anyway, to kill 2 birds with one stone mentality. Asian (again) have a high incidence of the H. Pylori bateria (which like to live in the stomach and cause trouble, like ulcers. I believe it is also linked to increased risk for stomach cancer). So while checking for varices (unlikely without cirrhosis), a sample is taken from the stomach lining to check for the H. Pylori bacteria, which you could be taken care of with antibiotics. H. Pylori doesn't have a direct link to HepB. They are 2 separate things.
So if you have HepB, you may want to ask your doctor about this.
This procedure is to check for the presence of varices (distended veins) in the esophagus and stomach, but usually when there is liver cirrhosis. If your sonogram is in the clear, you doctor may not think it's even needed.
You may want to do the upper endoscopy anyway, to kill 2 birds with one stone mentality. Asian (again) have a high incidence of the H. Pylori bateria (which like to live in the stomach and cause trouble, like ulcers. I believe it is also linked to increased risk for stomach cancer). So while checking for varices (unlikely without cirrhosis), a sample is taken from the stomach lining to check for the H. Pylori bacteria, which you could be taken care of with antibiotics. H. Pylori doesn't have a direct link to HepB. They are 2 separate things.
So if you have HepB, you may want to ask your doctor about this.
Below is a copy and paste from "HectorSF" from the C Forum. I thought it was informative and well written:
>>>By looking at the esophageal varices using endoscopy they can tell if they exist and the degree to which they are enlarged. If they are found, it is also helpful to put a patient on a beta blocker as a preventive measure to prevent future bleeding.
How varices are formed:
Normally, blood from your intestine, spleen and pancreas enters your liver through a large blood vessel called the portal vein. But if scar tissue blocks circulation through the liver, the blood backs up, leading to increased pressure within the portal vein (portal hypertension). This forces blood into smaller veins in your esophagus, stomach and occasionally your rectum. The excess blood causes these fragile, thin-walled veins to balloon outward and sometimes to rupture and bleed. Once varices develop, they continue to grow larger.<<<
>>>By looking at the esophageal varices using endoscopy they can tell if they exist and the degree to which they are enlarged. If they are found, it is also helpful to put a patient on a beta blocker as a preventive measure to prevent future bleeding.
How varices are formed:
Normally, blood from your intestine, spleen and pancreas enters your liver through a large blood vessel called the portal vein. But if scar tissue blocks circulation through the liver, the blood backs up, leading to increased pressure within the portal vein (portal hypertension). This forces blood into smaller veins in your esophagus, stomach and occasionally your rectum. The excess blood causes these fragile, thin-walled veins to balloon outward and sometimes to rupture and bleed. Once varices develop, they continue to grow larger.<<<
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