Endoscopy

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure that uses an endoscope—a -long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end—to diagnose symptoms and conditions in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract (GI) and other organs and parts of the body.

Preparation for Endoscopy

Before an endoscopy, you will need to visit a clinic to speak with a doctor or nurse. They will ask you about your symptoms and medical history and explain the procedure to you. Before the procedure, you will need to fast—no drinking or eating 12–72 hours—before the procedure. This is so that the doctor can clearly see the lining of your digestive system. If necessary, you may be given laxatives or enemas to clear out your digestive system. You must also stop taking medications and supplements 3–7 days before the procedure.

Endoscopy Procedure

The endoscopy procedure will typically take 20–30 minutes. You will be given sedatives to make you relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. You will then be laid on an exam table and the endoscope—a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end—will be inserted through your mouth. The tube will move through your esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine and the doctor can observe your gastrointestinal tract on an external monitor.

Types of Endoscopy

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): A procedure used to diagnose the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing. This procedure is used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
• Colonoscopy: A procedure used to examine the large intestine (colon) to assess for cancer and other abnormal growths.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: A procedure used to examine the lower part of the large intestine to diagnose any polyps or other abnormalities.
• Upper endoscopy: A procedure used to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Risks of Endoscopy

Endoscopy is typically a safe procedure, but it does come with some risks. These include bleeding, infection, tissue damage, and perforation of the stomach or intestines. This is why it is important to speak with a doctor, take necessary preparation steps, and get the procedure done by a qualified healthcare provider.

When to Consider Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is recommended to diagnose a variety of conditions, such as GERD, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, certain cancers, and other GI disorders. It is also used to diagnose and treat certain other conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding, hernias, and gallbladder disease. Endoscopy can also be used to remove foreign objects or growths from the GI tract or to perform biopsies to diagnose certain conditions.

Conclusion

Endoscopy is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. It is important to speak with a doctor before the procedure to understand the risks and benefits and to take the necessary preparation steps. It is also important to get the procedure done by qualified healthcare professionals.