Endoscopy is the name of the process which includes the examination of the inner workings of the human body using an endoscope. The endoscope is a medical device, which includes a long thin tube, that has a light and a video camera attached. The video images are projected onto a screen as the doctor guides the scope through the patient.
All endoscopes can be equipped with extensive accessories. Many endoscopy accessories manufacturers provide light sources for endoscopes, fiber-optic lighting units, cameras, and monitors for video endoscopes. Different light sources provide illumination of the inspection objects. Cameras get the output of video signals during the application of rigid and flexible endoscopes. With special monitor support, you can enlarge the field of applications.
Your family doctor can perform sigmoidoscopy in their office. However, other endoscopy procedures are usually performed by gastroenterology specialists. Other specialists such as gastrointestinal surgeons can also perform many of these procedures.
When It Is Required
Doctors recommend endoscopy to evaluate:
- Stomach pain
- Ulcers and gastritis
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Digestive tract bleeding
- Changes in bowel habits
- Growths in the colon
In addition, the doctor uses an endoscope to take in the removal of tissue and to look for the presence of disease.
Endoscopy can evaluate and treat a digestive tract problem. For example, Endoscope not only detects the bleeding from an ulcer, but some devices can be passed through the endoscope that can stop the bleeding. With ERCP, gallstones which have passed outside the gallbladder can often be removed.
Types of Endoscopy
Endoscopy is useful for investigating many areas within the human body such as:
- Gastrointestinal tract: This includes endoscopy of:
o esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
o small intestine
o large intestine/colon
o bile duct, rectum
o anus
- Respiratory tract: This includes endoscopy of:
o nose
o lower respiratory tract
- Ear
- Urinary tract
- Female reproductive tract: This includes endoscopy of:
o cervix
o uterus
o fallopian tubes
- Through a small incision: This includes endoscopy of:
o Abdominal or pelvic cavity
o the interior of a joint
o organs of the chest
Preparation
Endoscopy usually takes around 1 hour to complete the process. The doctor will provide instructions about the preparation for the procedure. For this, the individual needs to fast for a few hours, and this may vary on the type of endoscopy.
A doctor will first carry out an examination and then endoscopy. For the safe and complete examination, the stomach should be empty. Prior to scheduling, the patient should inform the physician about all known health problems like medications being taken, and about allergies. This information will help the doctor determine what potential medications should not be used during the exam because of the patient’s medical problems.
All endoscopists are highly trained specialists and get the right equipment from endoscopy accessories manufacturer India. Endoscopy is very safe, but the procedure may have some potential complications. If you have any questions or concerns related to the exam, costs, or billing, talk to your doctor or another healthcare professional.