HomeAnswersFamily Physicianupper gi endoscopyDoes endoscopy cause pain?

Can endoscopy worsen hiatal hernia?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 12, 2021
Reviewed AtMay 12, 2021

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had an endoscopy, and the doctor said everything looked normal, but I have a small hiatal hernia. Can an endoscopy make a hiatus worse by making it bigger or making the opening wider? Is it safe? Also, I was fully awake even with sedation. The doctors did not use Propofol like they do in my country. I had mine done in a different country, and they use something else. I am not sure what it was, but it did not put me to sleep. I was fully awake and felt everything, gagging and all. Is that normal? Do some hospitals do that, and will I be fine?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the query. Your recent endoscopy has shown a small hiatal hernia. I have already mentioned that you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) or acid reflux and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or any of them. So, it seems to be GERD that may cause the development of the hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia may result from repeated injuries by gastric acids due to chronic acid reflux. When muscle tissue of the esophageal sphincter becomes weak, it may cause the upper part of the stomach to bulge up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Endoscopy helps watch the hiatal hernia by maintaining a distance so it does not make the hiatus wider. Agents like opiates (Meperidine or Fentanyl), Benzodiazepines (Midazolam or Diazepam), hypnotics (Propofol), etc., can be used during an endoscopic procedure. Most probably, opiate was used for you because you were fully awake and felt everything, including gag reflex. In the case of opiates, it is normal. I hope I have answered your questions. in case of any other query, ask me.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the reply.

I feel the hiatus was traumatized entirely due to the endoscopy. The first time, I was put out completely, but this time, I was not, and it traumatized me so much. I cannot stop crying. Whatever they used was not Propofol because the doctor said so. So I am not sure what they even used. Please help me.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for joining again. I am extremely sorry to hear that. Propofol is for deep sedation. If Propofol was used, you would not have been awake or felt anything, and you would not have had a gag reflex. If you use a sedative during an endoscopic procedure, a friend or relative will be needed to bring you back home and stay with you for at least 24 hours. Sedation can take up to 24 hours to completely wear off, and during this period, you should not drive or operate any machinery. Endoscopy is a major diagnostic procedure that is fearful too. If not sedated during this procedure, the patient usually goes into a dreadful situation, negatively impacting patients' minds. Such a type of incident is post-traumatic stress disorder, from which you are suffering now. Before your endoscopic procedure, you had to ensure that the whole endoscopic procedure would be done under deep sedation. This will take time to subside. Time is the best healer here. You have to keep patience to overcome your present sufferings. Your traumatic condition will fade over time. You can take anxiety-relieving medications. Keep patience. Everything will be fine. Take care and let me know if I can assist you further.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam
Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Family Physician

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy