Diagnostic Gastroenterology at CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Kurla
Stomach pain that keeps returning, weight loss with no clear reason, or a change in bowel habits often cannot be explained by symptoms alone. The digestive tract has to be looked at directly. CritiCare Asia Hospitals is a gastroenterology hospital in Mumbai where the gastroenterology team at the Kurla centre examines the food pipe, stomach, small intestine and colon from the inside and, in many cases, takes a small tissue sample (a biopsy) at the same time. Colonoscopy, endoscopy, OGD and endoscopic ultrasound each look at a different part, and the right one depends on where the problem is likely to be. Gastro diagnostic procedures in Kurla, Mumbai begin with a consultation to decide which test is needed.
When Digestive Symptoms Need a Test
Talk to gastroenterologists in Kurla if you have:
- Stomach pain that lasts or keeps returning
- Weight loss with no clear reason
- A change in bowel habit, such as lasting diarrhoea or constipation
- Blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum
- Heartburn that does not settle, or difficulty swallowing
- Repeated vomiting with no clear cause
- Anaemia (low blood count) that cannot be explained
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy examines the whole colon and rectum with a thin, flexible tube that has a camera on its tip. It is passed through the back passage while the patient is under sedation, which means medicine that makes you sleepy and relaxed. It usually takes 20 to 45 minutes. Doctors often see polyps (small growths) or inflammation straight away, and biopsy results return in a few days. It is advised for rectal bleeding, lasting bowel changes, unexplained anaemia, and screening from a certain age. A laxative course and a liquid-only diet the day before clear the bowel, and a companion is needed to take you home. Many people ask about colonoscopy in Kurla, and cost estimates can be shared in advance.
Upper GI Endoscopy
An endoscopy usually means a look at the upper digestive tract. A thin camera tube goes through the mouth and throat into the food pipe and stomach, under sedation or a numbing throat spray, and takes 10 to 20 minutes. Ulcers, inflammation, or growths show on screen as it happens. It is recommended for heartburn that persists, trouble swallowing, unexplained vomiting, or upper stomach pain that has not improved with first treatment. Fasting for six to eight hours beforehand is needed, and a sore throat for a day or two afterwards is common. Those seeking endoscopy in Kurla are asked about medicines before the test.
OGD (Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy)
OGD goes one step further than a standard endoscopy. In a single pass, it looks at the food pipe, the stomach and the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Preparation and sedation are the same as for endoscopy, and a biopsy can be taken from any of the three areas if something looks abnormal. It is often the first test for iron-deficiency anaemia with no known cause, lasting upper stomach discomfort, and suspected duodenal ulcers or coeliac disease. Recovery is short.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
EUS adds an ultrasound probe to the tip of an endoscope. This shows not only the inner lining but also the layers beneath and nearby organs such as the pancreas and bile ducts. It is done under sedation and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Fine-needle samples can often be taken in the same session. It is useful for evaluating suspected tumours or cysts and for staging certain digestive cancers once diagnosed. Fasting is needed, and transport home must be arranged.
Choosing the Right Procedure
The doctor decides which test to use after a detailed history and examination. The choice depends on where the symptoms point and what the problem is likely to be. Cost estimates and insurance or cashless options, where applicable, can be discussed with the hospital team before booking. Sedation means a companion must travel with you. When a biopsy is taken, the result is followed by a clear plan for the next steps.
Diagnostic Gastroenterology at CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Kurla
At CritiCare Asia Hospitals, the gastroenterology team carries out each procedure after a clinical assessment to decide which test is suitable. Sedation, monitoring and recovery are managed as one process, and findings are explained in simple words once the procedure is over. Assessment comes first, the procedure only where indicated, and follow-up is planned at the outset. Book a consultation with the gastroenterology team at CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Kurla, if digestive symptoms are affecting your daily life.