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Endoscopy Procedure: Types & Uses

Learn about endoscopy procedures, from how they're done to costs and side effects. Find out what to expect and make informed health decisions.

Learn about endoscopy procedures, from how they're done to costs and side effects. ... Read More

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What is Endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a medical procedure that is used to look closely at the upper digestive tract. An endoscopy procedure involves a medical professional inserting an endoscope, a long, thin, flexible tube, into your body until it reaches the organ or area they want to examine. At the end of most endoscopes is a lens and a unique camera that captures images of body parts. The relevant area is illuminated by light traveling down the tube (via bundles of optical fibers), and the video camera enlarges the area and puts it onto a television screen so the doctor can see what’s there. During an endoscopy, healthcare professionals can perform surgery or implant devices to remove tissue.

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Common Endoscopy Results

Output Symptoms 
Normal No signs of inflammation, infection, or abnormal growths, and the tissues are healthy
Abnormal Polyps, cysts, tumors, ulcerative colitis
Further Testing Required  During abnormal results, additional tests, such as imaging, may be recommended

How is Endoscopy Done?

  • Sedation & Insertion. The first endoscopy procedure step is sedation. Once you are asleep, your doctor will insert the endoscope and begin the examination.
  • Examination. When the endoscope reaches the area to be examined, the doctor will look for the abnormalities or irregularities. Sometimes, they remove a tissue for further analysis, using a special tool. During the procedure, they can also perform certain treatments. 
  • Removal. The doctor will remove the endoscope after the completion of the procedure.

Types of Endoscopy

Depending on the location, the following types of endoscopic procedures are possible. 

 

  • Anoscopy. It involves passing the endoscope through the anus to examine your rectum and anus.
  • Arthroscopy. To check for damage or diseases such as arthritis, an endoscope is inserted through an incision above your joint.
  • Bronchoscopy. A bronchoscopy is a procedure where an endoscope is inserted through your mouth or nose to examine the lungs and trachea.
  • Colonoscopy. An endoscope is inserted into your anus to view the entire large intestine.
  • Cystoscopy. An endoscope is used to examine your bladder and urethra.
  • Enteroscopy. To view your small intestine, an endoscope is passed through your mouth (for an upper enteroscopy) or your anus (for a lower enteroscopy).
  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Upper endoscopy, also known as EGD, involves passing an endoscope through your mouth to examine your stomach, esophagus, and upper portion of your small intestine.
  • Hysteroscopy. During a hysteroscopy, an endoscope is passed through your vagina to view your uterus.
  • Laparoscopy. An endoscope is used to examine your reproductive and abdominal organs through an abdominal incision.
  • Laryngoscopy. A laryngoscopy involves passing an endoscope through your mouth or nose to examine the larynx, or voice box.
  • Neuroendoscopy. An endoscope goes through an incision in your skull to look at your brain.
  • Rigid sigmoidoscopy. An endoscope goes through your anus to examine your anus and rectum.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy. An endoscope goes through your anus to examine the lower part of your colon and your rectum.
  • Thoracoscopy. An endoscope is inserted through an incision into your chest to examine the lungs and area around the lungs, including the diaphragm, esophagus, and chest walls. 
  • Ureteroscopy. An endoscope goes through your urethra to look at the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder(ureters).
  • Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. The procedure uses the endoscope to place sutures inside the stomach to reduce its size.

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Who Needs an Endoscopy?

Endoscopy helps the doctor to visually inspect an organ without making a big incision. Usually, endoscopy is used to:

  • Identify the cause of any unusual symptoms you’re experiencing 
  • Remove a tiny sample of tissue that can be sent to a lab for additional testing. The procedure is known as an endoscopic biopsy 
  • Help the doctor see inside your body while performing surgery, such as removing tumors, gallstones, or repairing a stomach ulcer

 

Additionally, if you have any of the following symptoms, your doctor might recommend an endoscopy:

  • Ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease, and stomach ulcers 
  • Persistent constipation
  • Pancreatitis
  • Gallstones
  • Unexplained bleeding in the digestive tract 
  • Infections
  • Obstruction of the esophagus
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Blood in the urine

Before an endoscopy, your doctor will analyze your symptoms, conduct a physical examination, and perhaps prescribe certain blood tests to understand the root cause of your symptoms. These tests may also assist them in determining whether surgery or endoscopy is necessary to treat the issues.

How to Prepare for an Endoscopy?

  • Pre-tests and procedures. Your doctor may ask you to undergo a urine test(urinalysis) to check for a urinary tract infection, if there is any. Sometimes, the doctor may also advise a pregnancy test before conducting a hysterectomy. 
  • Medical history. The doctor may also want to discuss your medical history and supplements, if you’re taking any. 
  • Fasting. Your doctor may also advise you not to eat or drink anything for a night before the surgery or for a certain amount of time, as the doctor suggests. 
  • Avoid smoking. Before the surgery, you might need to quit using tobacco products and smoking.
  • Stop consuming some medications. Your doctor may ask you to stop consuming certain medications. Follow the advice religiously.

Endoscopy Tests: Which doctor performs & what to expect

Type  Area Examined Which doctor performs the surgery Insertion
Hysteroscopy Inside the uterus Gynecologist Through vagina
Bronchoscopy  Lungs Pulmonologist Through the nose or mouth
Arthroscopy Joints Orthopedic surgeon Through a small incision near the examined joint
Colonoscopy Colon Gasteroenterologist Through the anus
Cystoscopy Bladder Urologist Through the urethra
Enteroscopy Small intestine Gasteroenterologist Through the mouth or anus
Laryngoscopy Larynx Otolaryngologist Through the mouth or the nostril
Ureteroscopy Ureter Urologist Through the urethra

Endoscopy Side-effects

Although endoscopy is a relatively safer procedure, there are some minor risks involved. 

  • Excessive sedation, even though it’s not always required
  • Bloating, mild cramping after the procedure for a short period of time
  • Numb throat for a few hours due to local anesthesia
  • Infection at the site of investigation, which usually happens when multiple procedures are performed at the same time (the infections are normally minor and treatable with antibiotics)
  • Internal bleeding that is usually mild and treatable 
  • Complications related to a pre-existing condition

If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. 

  • Persistent stomach pain
  • Chest Pain
  • Blood in the vomit
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dark-colored stool

Endoscopy vs Colonoscopy

Aspect Endoscopy Colonoscopy
Definition Diagnostic procedure to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract Diagnostic procedure to examine the lower gastrointestinal tract
Instrument Used Endoscope Colonoscope
Purpose Diagnose conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, and celiac disease Diagnose conditions such as colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease
Sedation Usually mild to moderate Moderate to deep sedation
Area of Examination Esophagus and stomach Rectum and colon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Having developed in the mid-1990s, capsule endoscopy involved a wireless camera. The camera used to be small enough to fit into a capsule that could be swallowed. The procedure clicked multiple images of the small intestine to examine the small intestinal mucosa and diagnose Crohn’s disease. 

Can I drink water before endoscopy​?

It is usually advised to drink water up to four hours before an upper gastrointestinal(UGI) endoscopy. However, it is always advised to follow the fasting instructions specifically provided by your doctor for a successful endoscopic procedure.

Is an endoscopy test painful?

Endoscopy tests are usually performed under sedation or anesthesia. These put the patient to sleep, preventing them from experiencing any pain during the procedure.

What diseases can be detected by an endoscopy?

Endoscopic procedure helps in visualizing the affected area, allowing for a closer look at tissues, through biopsy collection. Gastrointestinal issues, such as ulcers, cancer, and inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, can be detected through endoscopy. 

What is the endoscopy test price in India?

The endoscopy test price in India varies depending on the location, doctor’s fees, patient’s medical condition, specific procedure, and type of hospital or clinic. For more information, contact the team of experts at Pristyn Care.