Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to look inside the body without major surgery. It uses a long, flexible tube called an endoscope, which has a light and a tiny camera on its tip. The endoscope is inserted through a natural body opening, such as the mouth or the rectum. Hospitals are primary locations for these procedures, using them for both diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.
The Scope of Procedures Performed
Hospitals offer a range of endoscopic services, from routine screening to advanced therapeutic procedures. Standard procedures like Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and Colonoscopy are frequently performed to examine the upper and lower digestive tracts. EGD looks at the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like ulcers or inflammation. Colonoscopy examines the large intestine to screen for colorectal cancer and remove polyps.
The hospital setting is important for complex and emergent procedures requiring specialized equipment and immediate backup resources. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) treats issues in the bile and pancreatic ducts, such as removing gallstones or placing stents. Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) combines endoscopy with ultrasound technology to create detailed images of the digestive tract wall and surrounding organs, aiding in cancer staging. These advanced procedures require hospital support, which provides instant access to surgical teams and intensive care if complications arise.
Logistics: Where Endoscopies Happen
Most scheduled endoscopic procedures take place in a dedicated area known as the Endoscopy Unit or Gastrointestinal (GI) Lab. This unit is designed as a self-contained facility, featuring its own reception, changing rooms, procedure rooms, and a recovery area. This specialized environment ensures that all necessary imaging equipment and instruments are immediately available.
The core personnel typically include a board-certified gastroenterologist, specialized endoscopy nurses, and a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist for administering sedation. For procedures requiring general anesthesia or for patients with complex medical issues, the hospital’s Operating Room may be used for higher monitoring. Urgent procedures, such as those for severe gastrointestinal bleeding or foreign body removal, may be performed at the patient’s bedside in the Emergency Department or Intensive Care Unit.
The Patient Journey: Pre- and Post-Procedure Care
Pre-procedure instructions ensure the internal organs are clear for optimal viewing. For an EGD, patients must fast, typically avoiding food for six to eight hours before the procedure. A colonoscopy requires bowel preparation, involving a special diet and a liquid laxative to cleanse the colon completely. Patients are also instructed to temporarily stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), several days prior to minimize bleeding risk.
During the procedure, most patients receive moderate or conscious sedation through an intravenous line to keep them relaxed and pain-free. After the procedure, the patient is moved to a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) or designated recovery area for monitoring. Since sedation medications can impair judgment for up to 24 hours, patients are required to have a responsible person drive them home. Discharge instructions detail when the patient can resume normal eating and activity, along with guidance on watching for potential post-procedure symptoms.