Skip to content

Patient Resources

Learn about Barrett's Esophagus
find a physician request information

Frequently asked questions

The following frequently asked questions are provided to help address and questions you may have about an endoscopy examinations to check your esophagus for Barrett’s Esophagus or associated dysplasia.

What is endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the body using an endoscope, a long, flexible tube that has a camera on the end that can be inserted into the body. It can also be fitted with other instruments to facilitate an examination.

When is an endoscopy needed?
An endoscopy is needed to gain visual and therapeutic access inside the human body, such as the gastrointestinal and pulmonary tracts.

Is a patient sedated for an endoscopy?
Endoscopies are usually performed while a patient is mildly sedated or awake. Before the procedure, a medication that has a calming effect is often given to help the patient relax.

What is targeted biopsy (or endomicroscopy)?
Targeted biopsy (or endomicroscopy) is way of looking at cells inside the body using a very small microscope. This microscope is a long, thin, flexible fiber-optic miniprobe which can be threaded down an endoscope. By adding a microscopic image using Cellvizio, physicians can now see what the tissue looks like at the cellular level and use that information to make a diagnosis.

When is targeted biopsy (or endomicroscopy) needed?
Targeted biopsy (or endomicroscopy) is used to examine a patient’s esophageal tissues to determine if Barrett’s Esophagus or associated dysplasia is present. It can also be used to evaluate other gastrointestinal, pulmonary or urological tissues.

How does Cellvizio® help?
Cellvizio is a targeted biopsy device which magnifies the tissue up to 1,000 times, providing physicians additional real-time information about the tissue microstructure. It has been adopted by leading physicians around the world in hundreds of hospitals.

Will targeted biopsy (or endomicroscopy) be reimbursed by my insurance?
You should discuss your insurance coverage with your doctor before undergoing any procedures including a targeted biopsy. Many centers have been able to negotiate reimbursement for the procedure, but it varies depending on carrier.

Where is targeted biopsy (or endomicroscopy) being used?
Endomicroscopy is available across the US, you can ask your healthcare professional for more information.

Will I have to undergo any additional preparation prior to my endoscopy procedure with targeted biopsy (or endomicroscopy)?
No. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare your body for the procedure. There are no additional steps required if your doctor will be adding targeted biopsy to your endoscopy procedure.

How long will it take me to recover from the procedure?
Recovery is fast and you may resume your usual activities after the procedure, unless your doctor decides otherwise. You should notify your doctor if you experience any of the following:

  • fever and/or chills
  • redness, swelling, or bleeding or other drainage from the IV site
  • abdominal pain, nausea, and/or vomiting
  • black, tarry, or bloody stools
  • swallowing difficulties
  • throat or chest pain that worsens

When and what can I eat after the procedure?
You may resume your usual diet right after the procedure, unless otherwise advised by your doctor.

Top of Page