In the aftermath of the pandemic, more people are suffering from indigestion as they spend more time at home. Changed lifestyles are one of the main causes of irregular lifestyles that change day and night, as well as increased consumption of spicy and salty foods such as delivery and instant food.
The problem is that if these daily routines are repeated, it does not end with just indigestion and heartburn. It not only leads to various gastrointestinal diseases, but also develops into stomach cancer and can be a direct threat to life.
Korea has a particularly high rate of gastric cancer. The incidence of gastric cancer in Korea is about 50 to 60 per 100,000 every year, which is ten times the rate of gastric cancer in the United States. The recurrence rate is also high at 20%, so special attention is required.
Cancer diseases such as stomach cancer are difficult to recognize because there are no specific symptoms in the early stages. However, if left unattended for a long period of time, it can progress to the terminal stage and spread to other places, leading to a situation where it cannot be used.
Gastric cancer has a cure rate of over 90% if timely and appropriate treatment is provided. However, since self-diagnosis alone cannot accurately determine the presence of a disease, it is necessary to regularly check the condition of the body through tests such as gastroscopy.
Gastroscopy is a test method that uses an endoscope to observe the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum and determine the presence or absence of disease. Through a flexible electronic endoscope, the lesion can be directly observed with the naked eye, and in some cases, additional tests such as biopsy and tests for diagnosing Helicobacter infection are carried out, enabling accurate diagnosis.
Gastric endoscopy can be divided into general endoscopy and sleep endoscopy. Because the endoscope is inserted through the oral cavity, many people feel afraid of a general endoscope. In this case, it is recommended to proceed with a sleep endoscopy.
Sleep endoscopy is a test that many people choose because it minimizes the discomfort felt during the endoscopy and has no memory of the test process, so the patient can receive it comfortably without suffering pain or fear. way.
In the case of patients with heart or lung-related diseases or the elderly, side effects from the drug may appear. It is necessary to check whether the sleep endoscopy is appropriate through sufficient consultation and examination with the medical staff.
(Writing: Wonheung Janghang Surgery Clinic Director Choi Gyu-seong)