Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to examine the interior of the body. It involves the use of an endoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera—to visualize internal organs and tissues. Depending on the area being examined, the procedure may have different names, such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy, or bronchoscopy.

Indications for Endoscopy

Endoscopy is performed for various reasons, including:

• Diagnosis:
  • Investigating symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Identifying conditions like ulcers, infections, tumors, or inflammation.
  • Collecting tissue samples (biopsy) for further analysis.
• Treatment:
  • Removing polyps or foreign objects.
  • Treating bleeding ulcers.
  • Dilating strictures (narrowed areas in the gastrointestinal tract).
  • Placing feeding tubes or stents.

Types of Endoscopy

1. Upper Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy – EGD):
   • Examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
2. Colonoscopy:
   • Examines the colon and rectum.
3. Bronchoscopy:
   • Examines the airways and lungs.
4. Capsule Endoscopy:
   • A swallowable capsule with a camera captures images of the small intestine.
5. Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
   • Combines endoscopy and ultrasound for detailed imaging.

Procedure Steps

1. Preparation:

   • Patients are advised to fast for 6–8 hours before the procedure to ensure an empty stomach or bowel.
   • For colonoscopy, bowel cleansing with laxatives is required.
   • Medications may be adjusted as needed (e.g., blood thinners).

2. Sedation or Anesthesia:

   • Depending on the type of endoscopy, patients may receive local anesthetics, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia for comfort.

3. Insertion of the Endoscope:

   • Upper Endoscopy:
     • The patient lies on their side, and the endoscope is gently passed through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
   • Colonoscopy:
     • The endoscope is inserted through the anus to examine the colon and rectum.
   • Bronchoscopy:
     • The scope is inserted through the nose or mouth into the airways.

4. Examination and Intervention:

   • The doctor examines the targeted area using real-time video from the camera.
   • Tissue samples or biopsies can be taken.
   • Therapeutic actions, such as removing polyps or stopping bleeding, may be performed.

5. Completion:

   • The endoscope is gently withdrawn.
   • The entire procedure typically lasts 15–60 minutes, depending on the complexity.

Post-Procedure Care

1. Recovery:

   • Patients are monitored until the sedative wears off.
   • Mild discomfort like bloating or a sore throat may occur, depending on the procedure.
   • Most patients can resume normal activities the same day, except driving or heavy work.

2. Follow-Up:

   • The doctor discusses immediate findings, and biopsy results are usually available within a few days.
   • Further treatment or additional tests may be recommended based on the results.