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:
- Upper Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy): Examines the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine.
- Colonoscopy: Inspects the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Focuses on the rectum and lower part of the colon.
- Bronchoscopy: Looks at the airways and lungs.
- Cystoscopy: Examines the bladder and urinary tract.
- Arthroscopy: Used to view joints.
- Laparoscopy: Allows examination of the abdominal or pelvic cavity.
- 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