Endoscopy

Answer 1

An endoscopy is an imaging technique that an Gastroenterologist doctor uses to see inside of the esophagus and stomach. It's a thin flexible tube with a light on the end. It's inserted through the mouth and down into the stomach. This procedure is only done when you're sedated. An endoscopy is a procedure that doctors do to see the digestive track.

Answer 2

This is called an EGD, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Your physician will numb your throat and insert a camera on the end of a thin tube down your throat to check your esophagus, stomach and antrum, pylorus, etc. Most patient's are given mild sedation. Biopsies can be taken of questionable areas during this procedure.

Answer 3

endoscope is inserted into a nostril and is threaded through the sinus passages to the throat. To make viewing of these areas easier, and to record the areas being examined, a camera, monitor, or other such viewing device is connected to the endoscope

Answer 4

It means internal examination using a fibre optic endoscope . Various types of endoscopy is carried out depending upon the organ examined viz laryngoscopy (examinationof the nose throat and larynx), Gastroscopy (examination of the stomach and duodenum), Colonoscopy(examination of the large bowel), Sigmoidoscopy(examination of distal colon), cystourethroscopy(examination of urethra and bladder), hysteroscopy(examination of Uterus), laparoscopy and thoracoscopy (examination of abdominal and chest cavity)etc......

Answer 5

Definition

Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the body using a flexible tube that has a small camera on the end of it. This instrument is called an endoscope.

How the test is performed

There are many types of endoscopes. Each one is named according to the organs or areas they are used to examine.

For example:

• Arthroscope: Used to look directly at the joints
• Bronchoscope: Used to look at the lungs
• Cystoscope: Used to view the inside of the bladder
• Laparoscope: Used to look directly at the ovaries, appendix, or other abdominal organs

An endoscope is passed through a natural body opening or a small incision. For example, a laparoscope is inserted through small surgical cuts in the pelvic or belly area. In men, a urinary tract endoscope is passed through the opening of the urethra. A gastrointestinal endoscope may be inserted through the mouth or anus. An ultrasound probe can be added to a gastrointestinal endoscope. This is called an endoscopic ultrasound. Depending on the area of interest, this device can also be passed through the mouth or anus.

Small instruments can be inserted through an endoscope and used to take samples of suspicious tissues.

This article offers a general overview on endoscopy. For more information, see the specific procedure:

• Anoscopy
• Arthroscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• Chorionic villus sampling
• Colonoscopy
• Cystoscopy
• EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
• Enteroscopy
• ERCP
• Laparoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy

How to prepare for the test

Ask your health care provider if you need to do anything to prepare for your endoscopy. You may be asked not to eat or drink before most types of endoscopy. Before an examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract, you may be asked to use enemas or laxatives to clear out the large intestine.

How the test will feel

You will be given a medicine to help you relax and possibly fall asleep. This is called sedation. With the right sedation, you should have little, if any, discomfort.

Sedation is usually not given to those having an endoscopic ultrasound of the rectum. The endoscope will create a feeling of the need to move the bowels (pass stool), but should not cause any pain.

Why the test is performed

There are many different reasons to perform an endoscopy. For example, your doctor may order an endoscope if you have bleeding, pain, difficulty swallowing, and a change in bowel habits. Colonoscopy is also be done to screen for colon polyps and colon cancer.

For more information, see the specific article:

• Anoscopy
• Arthroscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• Chorionic villus sampling
• Colonoscopy
• Cystoscopy
• EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
• Enteroscopy
• ERCP
• Laparoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy

Normal Values

The endoscopy should reveal normal function and appearance of the area being examined.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results depend on the type of exam being performed. Your health care provider will explain your results following the endoscopy. For detailed information see:

• Anoscopy
• Arthroscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• Chorionic villus sampling
• Colonoscopy
• Cystoscopy
• EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
• Enteroscopy
• ERCP
• Laparoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy

What the risks are

The major risks are pain, bleeding, or infection. There is also a risk of perforation (tearing) of the tissue wall during endoscopy.

Reactions to the sedation can occur, although they are rare. For this reason your breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure.

Special considerations

Endoscopies also can be used to treat certain diseases or conditions. For example, tumors can be removed or bleeding from lesions can be stopped.

Answer 6

Definition

Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the body using a flexible tube that has a small camera on the end of it. This instrument is called an endoscope.

How the test is performed

There are many types of endoscopes. Each one is named according to the organs or areas they are used to examine.

For example:

• Arthroscope: Used to look directly in the joints
• Bronchoscope: Used to look in the airways and lungs
• Cystoscope: Used to view the inside of the bladder
• Laparoscope: Used to look directly at the ovaries, appendix, or other abdominal organs

An endoscope is passed through a natural body opening or small cut. For example, a laparoscope is inserted through small surgical cuts in the pelvic or belly area. In men, a urinary tract endoscope is passed through the opening of the urethra.

A gastrointestinal endoscope may be inserted through the mouth or anus. An ultrasound probe can be added to a gastrointestinal endoscope. This is called an endoscopic ultrasound. Depending on the area of interest, this device can also be passed through the mouth or anus.

Small instruments can be inserted through an endoscope and used to take samples of suspicious tissues.

This article offers a general overview on endoscopy. For more information, see the specific procedure:

• Anoscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Cystoscopy
• EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
• Enteroscopy
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Laparoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy

How to prepare for the test

Ask your health care provider if you need to do anything to prepare for your endoscopy. You may be asked not to eat or drink before most types of endoscopy. Before an examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract, you may be asked to use enemas or laxatives to clear out the large intestine.

How the test will feel

You may be given medicine to help you relax and possibly fall asleep. This is called sedation. With the right sedation, you should have little, if any, discomfort.

Sedation is usually not given to people having an endoscopic ultrasound of the rectum. The endoscope will make you feel like you need to move the bowels (pass stool), but it should not cause any pain.

Why the test is performed

There are many different reasons to perform an endoscopy. For example, your doctor may order an endoscope if you have bleeding, pain, difficulty swallowing, and a change in bowel habits. Colonoscopy can also be done to screen for colon polyps and colon cancer.

For more information, see the specific article:

• Anoscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Cystoscopy
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Enteroscopy
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Laparoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy

Normal Values

The endoscopy should show normal appearance and function of the area being examined.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results depend on the type of exam being performed. Your health care provider will explain your results after the endoscopy.

For detailed information see:

• Anoscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• Chorionic villus sampling
• Colonoscopy
• Cystoscopy
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Enteroscopy
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Laparoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy

What the risks are

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Pain
• Tearing (perforation) of the tissue wall during endoscopy

Reactions to the sedation can occur, although they are rare. For this reason your breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure.

Special considerations

Endoscopies also can be used to treat certain diseases or conditions. For example, tumors can be removed or bleeding from lesions can be stopped.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 02/20/2011

David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Answer 7

Sinus endoscopy is used to help diagnose structural defects, infection or damage to the sinuses, or structures in the nose and throat.