Endoscopy

The Endoscopy Procedure

Endoscopy: The Key to Gastrointestinal Relief

An endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a long, thin tube with a light and camera. It allows doctors to directly visualise the internal organs and tissues to diagnose a wide range of conditions. The type of endoscopy differs depending on the body part being examined.

Common Types of Endoscopy

Gastroscopy

A gastroscopy, or upper endoscopy, examines the oesophagus, stomach, and upper part of the duodenum. It is commonly performed to:

Diagnose causes of abdominal pain, heartburn, or indigestion
Identify gastric or duodenal ulcers
Investigate difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Detect bleeding in the upper digestive tract
Evaluate or monitor gastritis or oesophagitis
Take biopsies to diagnose H. pylori infection, celiac disease, or cancer

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It is commonly performed to:

Screen for colon cancer
Assess for polyps or follow up on previously detected polyps
Evaluate bowel symptoms, such as abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits
Investigate anaemia of unknown cause
Examine for the presence of blood in the stool
Diagnose inflammatory bowel disease
Evaluate cases of chronic diarrhoea

The Endoscopy Process

Proper preparation is key to a smooth and effective endoscopy. The doctor will give you specific guidelines, which include:

Pre-procedure tests – Blood tests, imaging scans, or other evaluations might be required to ensure the patient is ready for the procedure.
Fasting – Patients are required to refrain from eating for several hours beforehand to allow a clear view of their digestive system.
Bowel Preparation – For procedures like colonoscopies, cleansing the colon is crucial. The doctor will provide detailed instructions on bowel preparation.

Additionally, it is essential to avoid smoking and certain medications, such as blood thinners and NSAIDs, as advised by the doctor.

Colonoscopy

During the procedure, the doctor carefully advances a colonoscope through the rectum and colon to inspect its lining. Polyps, if found, can often be removed immediately. For larger polyps, biopsies are taken for further evaluation. This procedure is a key tool for detecting and preventing colorectal cancer. It generally takes 20 to 60 minutes.

Gastroscopy

The doctor gently inserts a gastroscope through the mouth to inspect the digestive lining and perform treatments if necessary, such as taking biopsies or addressing bleeding. Gastroscopy is commonly used to diagnose symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing. It typically lasts 10 to 20 minutes.

Following the endoscopy, the patient will be moved to a recovery area to be monitored until the effects of sedation wear off. Some temporary side effects, such as bloating, nausea, mild cramping, or a sore throat, are common and typically resolve within a few hours to a day.

Preliminary results might be available on the same day. However, if samples were taken for biopsy or further analysis, results may take a few days. The doctor will provide specific instructions to ensure a smooth recovery after an endoscopy, such as drinking plenty of water and sticking to soft, easy-to-digest foods like yoghurt, soup, and mashed potatoes.

The Endoscopy Procedure

Endoscopy: The Key to Gastrointestinal Relief

Common Types of Endoscopy

Gastroscopy

Colonoscopy

Do not dismiss your gastrointestinal discomfort

The Endoscopy Process

Before the Procedure

During the Procedure

After the Procedure