An illuminated optical instrument, known as an endoscope, is used to visualize the interior of the body. This long, thin tube features a light source and a small camera at its tip. It allows healthcare providers to directly observe internal organs and cavities, providing real-time images on a monitor. This minimally invasive tool aids in investigating various symptoms without extensive surgery.
The Endoscopic Procedure
Before an endoscopy, patients receive specific instructions to prepare for the examination. This often includes fasting, such as no solid food for eight hours and no liquids for four hours prior to the procedure, to ensure the digestive tract is clear. Patients may also need to temporarily stop certain medications, like blood thinners, several days beforehand to reduce bleeding risk. Preparations vary depending on the specific type of endoscopy.
During the procedure, which usually takes between 30 minutes to two hours depending on its complexity, patients are often given a sedative through an intravenous (IV) line to promote relaxation and comfort. A local anesthetic spray may also be applied to numb the throat if the endoscope is inserted orally. The endoscope is gently guided through a natural body opening, such as the mouth or anus, and advanced to the area requiring examination. Real-time images from the endoscope’s camera are then projected onto a screen for the medical team to observe.
Following the endoscopy, patients are monitored in a recovery area until the effects of the sedation subside, typically within a few hours. Mild side effects, such as a sore throat or bloating from air introduced during the procedure, are common and usually resolve within 24 hours. Due to sedation, patients are advised not to drive or engage in activities requiring full alertness for the rest of the day, requiring arranged transportation home. Most individuals can resume their usual activities the day after the procedure.
Common Types of Endoscopic Examinations
Endoscopic examinations are categorized by the specific organ or body system they explore. Upper GI endoscopy, also known as gastroscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), involves inserting the endoscope through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and the initial segment of the small intestine, the duodenum. This procedure is performed to investigate symptoms like persistent heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained nausea.
A colonoscopy is another endoscopic procedure, where the endoscope is guided through the anus to visualize the entire large intestine, or colon. This examination is used for colorectal cancer screening, detecting polyps, or investigating changes in bowel habits and gastrointestinal bleeding. Bronchoscopy involves inserting an endoscope through the mouth or nose into the trachea and airways to examine the lungs. It assesses chronic coughs, infections, or identifies abnormalities within the respiratory tract.
Cystoscopy uses an endoscope inserted through the urethra to inspect the bladder and urinary tract. This examination identifies issues like bladder stones, infections, or structural abnormalities within the urinary system. Arthroscopy, distinct from other endoscopies as it requires a small incision, involves inserting a scope into a joint, such as the knee or shoulder, to visualize and assess damage or conditions like arthritis. This allows for a direct view of joint structures.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications
Beyond simple visualization, endoscopy provides both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. For diagnostic purposes, the endoscope is equipped with channels that allow for the insertion of miniature tools. These tools enable healthcare providers to collect small tissue samples, known as biopsies, from suspicious areas. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for microscopic analysis to diagnose conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease, or infections.
Endoscopy also serves as a therapeutic tool, allowing for immediate treatment of certain conditions during the same procedure. For instance, specialized instruments passed through the endoscope can remove polyps, which are small growths that can sometimes become cancerous, directly from the lining of the digestive tract. The procedure can also stop internal bleeding, such as from stomach ulcers or damaged blood vessels, using techniques like cauterization or injection therapy. Additionally, narrowed areas of the esophagus or other ducts can be dilated, or widened, using balloons or other tools inserted through the endoscope, improving the passage of food or fluids.