Track 1: Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows healthcare providers to examine the interior of the body using an instrument called an endoscope. The endoscope is a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and a camera. The images captured by the camera are transmitted to a monitor, allowing the doctor to view the internal organs or cavities in real-time.

Purposes of Endoscopy

• Diagnosis: To investigate symptoms like abdominal pain, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, or persistent cough.
• Biopsy: To collect tissue samples for further examination, particularly to check for infections, inflammation, or cancer.
• Treatment: To perform minor surgical procedures, such as removing polyps, stopping bleeding, or extracting foreign objects.

Types of Endoscopy

Endoscopy can be classified based on the area being examined:

1. Upper Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy): Examines the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine.
2. Colonoscopy: Inspects the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
3. Sigmoidoscopy: Focuses on the rectum and lower part of the colon.
4. Bronchoscopy: Looks at the airways and lungs.
5. Cystoscopy: Examines the bladder and urinary tract.
6. Arthroscopy: Used to view joints.
7. Laparoscopy: Allows examination of the abdominal or pelvic cavity.
8. Capsule Endoscopy: A small capsule with a camera is swallowed to capture images of the digestive tract.

Preparation

Preparation depends on the type of endoscopy:

• Fasting: Required for most upper endoscopies.
• Bowel Preparation: Colonoscopies often require laxatives to clear the bowel.
• Sedation: Many endoscopic procedures involve sedation for patient comfort.

Risks

While generally safe, endoscopy can have risks, including:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Perforation (a small tear in the examined organ)

Endoscopy has become an essential tool in modern medicine for diagnosing and treating various conditions with minimal invasiveness.

Sub Topic: Diagnostic Applications, Endoscopic ultrasound, Endoscopic polypectomy, Advances in Technology, Specialized Techniques, Safety and Patient Care, Artificial intelligence in endoscopy