Endoscopy

An endoscope (fibrescope) is a long flexible tube with a lens at one end and a video camera at the other. The end with the lens is inserted into the patient.

Light passes down the tube (via bundles of optical fibres) to illuminate the relevant area, and the video camera magnifies the area and projects it onto a television screen so the doctor can see what is there. Usually, an endoscope is inserted through one of the body’s natural openings, such as the mouth, urethra, or anus.

Specially designed endoscopes are used to perform simple surgical procedures, such as:

• Locating
• sampling or removing tumours from the lungs
• digestive tract

Locating and removing foreign objects from the lungs and digestive tract. Taking small samples of tissue for diagnostic purposes (biopsy).

Removing stones from the bile duct

Placing tubes (stents) through blockages in the bile duct, oesophagus, duodenum, or colon. Endoscopes have been developed for many parts of the body. Each has its own name, depending on the part of the body it is intended to investigate, such as: – inserted down the trachea (windpipe) to examine the lung.

– inserted through the anus to examine the colon (bowel). – inserted down the oesophagus to examine the stomach. – inserted through the stomach into the duodenum to inspect and perform procedures on the bile duct and /or pancreatic duct, called ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatogram).

– inserted through the cervix to examine the uterus. inserted via the urethra to inspect the urinary bladder and ureters. Depending on the condition under investigation, some endoscopies can be carried out in the doctor’s surgery.

Others need a trip to hospital or day surgery facility, and may require a general anaesthetic. Endoscopies are generally painless, although they may still cause some discomfort. Compared with the stress experienced by the body in a full surgical procedure, an endoscopy is simple, low risk, and cost effective.

Other advantages include: No scar – as a natural body opening is used.

Quick recovery time

Less time in hospital

Often, no time in hospital is required as the procedure is performed in the doctor’s rooms. Prior to the endoscopy, your doctor will talk to you about your medical history including allergies and current medications. These factors can have a bearing on the operation.

The exact procedure used depends on the type of endoscopy and choice of anaesthesia. You may have sedation or a The endoscope is inserted through a natural opening.

The doctor may simply make a diagnosis

They may also take a ) for later analysis in a laboratory. Alternatively, your doctor could perform minor surgery at the same time.

For example, they may place a stent across an obstructing tumour or remove a.

Once the endoscopy is complete, the endoscope is removed.

After the endoscopy, you can expect: In most cases, you are kept under observation for just an hour or so. If you have been given general anaesthetic, you are monitored for longer.

Some types of endoscopic procedures, such as ERCP, may require an overnight hospital stay to make sure all is well. , if necessary. You need someone else to drive you home, or else catch a taxi, because of the effects of medication during surgery.

Possible complications of endoscopy include: to the anaesthesia

) after an ERCP.

Self-care depends on the type of endoscopy you undergo

Be guided by your doctor, but general suggestions include: Most patients are able to resume normal activities within 24 hours to a few days.

Recovery time following endoscopy is rapid, usually a few hours to one day or so. for diagnostic procedures or open surgery for treatment procedures. or having it passed into the rectum. The disadvantages of x-ray procedures include: (tumour) cannot be performed at the same time.

For treatment procedures, instead of accessing the body’s natural openings the abdominal cavity (for example) is opened using one large cut. The disadvantages of open surgery include: Comparatively extensive scarring. The hospital or centre where the procedure was performed.

Endoscopy (also called a gastroscopy) is a medical procedure A range of endoscopes Bronchoscope Colonoscope Gastroscope Duodenoscope Hysteroscope Cystoscope and ureteroscope - Medical issues to consider Endoscopy procedure general anaesthetic sample of tissue (biopsy stone from a bile duct Immediately after the endoscopy You are given pain relief Possible complications Perforation of an organ Excessive bleeding (haemorrhage) Infection Allergic reaction Inflammation of the pancreas ( pancreatitis Taking care of yourself at home Contact your doctor or go to the hospital if you experience severe abdominal pain , vomiting, or pass blood or have black bowel actions Long-term outlook Alternatives to endoscopy The main alternatives to endoscopy are x-rays Diagnoses of the gut may be made by swallowing x-ray contrast ( barium) An unpleasant taste or discomfort No biopsies can be taken for tissue diagnosis A therapeutic procedure such as removal of a polyp Longer hospital stay Increased risk of complications, including infection Longer convalescence (recovery time) Where to get help Your doctor.

Key Points

• Endoscopies are generally painless, although they may still cause some discomfort
• You need someone else to drive you home, or else catch a taxi, because of the effects of medication during surgery
• for diagnostic procedures or open surgery for treatment procedures