What is an endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive non-surgical procedure where a medical professional uses an endoscope to examine the internal parts of the body. An endoscope is a long thin tube that can be inserted through the natural openings like mouth or rectum, or by making a small incision. Sometimes this can be performed with other procedures like ultrasound in order to have specialized images of the digestive tract.

What are the different types of endoscopy?

Following are a few of the different types of endoscopy:

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
• Cystoscopy
• Hysterectomy
• Thoracoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Enteroscopy
• Laparoscopy
• Arthroscopy
• Ureteroscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• Mediastinoscopy
• Laryngoscopy

What conditions can be evaluated by endoscopy?

Following are a few of the medical conditions or diseases that can be evaluated by  endoscopy:

• Gastroduodenal diseases
• Ulcers
• Gastritis
• Esophageal diseases
• Blockage of the esophagus
• Liver cancer
• Anemia
• Severe abdominal pain
• Polyps
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Blood in the stool
• Colon cancer

What are the risks and complications related to Endoscopy?

Usually, endoscopy is a safe procedure. However, this procedure has a few of the risks & complications and they are:

• Perforation in the gut wall
• Internal bleeding
• Infection
• Mild cramps
• Feeling bloated after the procedure
• Organ damage, irregular heartbeat
• Persistent pain
• Difficulty in breathing
• Over sedation
• Burning sensation at the site of injection
• Chest pain
• Difficulty in urination

Who can perform endoscopy?

Different specialists perform different types of endoscopies. Few of the specialists are: Pulmonologist Gastroenterologist GynecologistENT doctorOrthopedic surgeonUrologistOtolaryngologist

What are the procedural steps involved in the endoscopy?

• Preparation before the procedure: An individual should fast 8 hours before the procedure to ensure an empty stomach. Discuss with the doctor about the medications or any other supplements you are taking.
• During the procedure: Initially, the patient can be sedated with local or general anesthesia. The doctor passes the endoscope into the gastrointestinal tract and monitors the internal organs for any abnormalities. The doctor will remove the endoscope after examining the internal organs and health status of an individual.
• After the procedure: After the completion of the procedure, you may be transferred to the recovery room and vital signs will be monitored by the doctor. One can feel mild discomfort and sore throat.

How long does it take to complete an endoscopy?

The time required to complete an endoscopy will depend on the type of endoscopy planned to perform and the area to be examined. However, the endoscopy procedure may complete within 20 to 60 minutes.

Can endoscopy treat polyps?

Yes, endoscopy can also be performed for the treatment of polyps. With the help of an endoscope, the doctor can remove polyps.