Endoscopy

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a procedure used to visually examine internal organ through natural orifice with the help of long thin tube attached with camera. It allows a doctor to observe inside of the body and identify any physiological or pathological changes. Specially designed endoscopes are used for performing simple surgical procedures like

• Locating, sampling or removing tumors from the digestive tract including esophagus, stomach and colon
• Locating and removing foreign objects from the digestive tract.
• Taking small samples of tissue for diagnostic purposes (biopsy).
• Esophageal variceal ligation
• Endoscopic balloon dilatation at stricture site

Ranges of endoscopes

Wide ranges of endoscopic services are available at SMAH. Different endoscopic names have been given depending on the part of the body to be examined.

• Gastroscope:  The scope is inserted through the mouth to examine pharynx, esophagus, stomach and duodenu
• Colonoscope: The scope is inserted through the anus to examine Rectum, colon and terminal ileum (Bowel).
• Bronchoscope: inserted down the trachea (windpipe) to examine the lung
• Cystoscope and ureteroscope :  The scope is inserted through the urethra to examine urinary bladder and ureter

What you should know before doing endoscopy

Gastroscopy is usually performed under local anesthesia. You will be asked to keep nil per oral for at least for 8 hours. You will be sent home immediately after the procedure if no complication during procedure and no major intervention is done.

For Colonoscopy bowel preparation is needed, for which you will be instructed by physician the day before procedure. It is performed under sedation or without sedation depending upon the patient choice. Intravenous anesthesia is given for those who prefer painless colonoscopy procedure and will be kept in observation for 2 hours.

What you should know after endoscopy

The endoscopy report will be dispatched immediately after procedure. You will be kept in observation if any major intervention is done. You will be asked to follow up in OPD with histopathology report if biopsy is taken.

Possible complications of endoscopy include:

• Allergic reaction to the anaesthesia.
• Perforation of an organ
• Excessive bleeding (haemorrhage)
• Infection