endoscopy
endoscopy
body cavity or organ using a long, thin tube called an endoscope. Endoscopes are equipped with a
light source and a camera, which transmit images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to visualize the
internal structures.
Types of Endoscopies:
There are many different types of endoscopy procedures, depending on the body part being
examined. Some of the most common types include:
Colonoscopy: This procedure examines the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
Bronchoscopy: This procedure examines the airways in the lungs, including the trachea and
bronchi.
Endoscopy Procedure
The specific steps of an endoscopy procedure will vary depending on the type of endoscopy being
performed. However, the general process is as follows:
1. Preparation: The patient will be asked to fast for a certain period before the procedure. They
may also need to take medications to clean out their intestines or to relax their muscles.
2. Anaesthesia: Depending on the type of endoscopy, the patient may be given local
anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia.
3. Insertion of the Endoscope: The doctor will insert the endoscope into the body through a
natural opening, such as the mouth, anus, or urethra.
4. Examination: The doctor will use the endoscope to examine the internal structures. They
may also take biopsies or remove polyps or other abnormal tissue.
5. Removal of the Endoscope: Once the examination is complete, the doctor will remove the
endoscope.
Recovery
After the endoscopy procedure, the patient will be monitored in a recovery room until they are fully
awake. Most patients can go home a few hours after the procedure. However, they should avoid
driving or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours.
Risks of Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a safe procedure, but there are some risks associated with it, including:
Bleeding: There is a small risk of bleeding from the biopsy site or from the removal of polyps
or other tissue.
Benefits of Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool that can help doctors diagnose and treat a variety of
conditions, including:
Gastrointestinal disorders: Endoscopy can help diagnose and treat conditions such as ulcers,
gastritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Lung cancer: Endoscopy can help diagnose and stage lung cancer.
Bladder cancer: Endoscopy can help diagnose and treat bladder cancer.
Polyps: Endoscopy can help remove polyps, which are small growths that can develop in the
colon or rectum.