A scope is inserted into your body during an endoscopic procedure to acquire images or films of your organs and other structures. They are used by medical professionals to screen, identify, and treat illnesses. Endoscopy comes in a variety of forms that view various organs. Colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, and laparoscopy are the three most prevalent types of endoscopy.
What is an Endoscopy?
An Endoscopy is a procedure used to look closely at internal body structures. A long, thin tube called an endoscope is inserted by a medical professional into your body during an endoscopy and left there until it reaches the organ or location that needs to be examined. The end of most endoscopes has a light and
specialized camera. The scope records still photos or motion pictures of organs and other body parts. It shows them to your provider on a screen.
Many endoscopes have special channels inside. During an endoscopy, healthcare professionals can insert surgical equipment to remove tissue or carry out surgery.
Key Functions of an Endoscopy Unit :
Diagnostic Procedures : Endoscopy can help diagnose various conditions, such as ulcers, tumors, inflammation, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Therapeutic Procedures : The unit may also perform therapeutic interventions, such as removing polyps, biopsies, dilation of strictures, or placement of stents.
Sedation and Monitoring : Procedures often require sedation, so the unit is equipped to monitor patients during and after the procedures.
Building Patient Histories : Units often keep detailed records of procedures, findings, and follow-up treatments.
Collaboration with Specialists : Endoscopy units work closely with gastroenterologists, surgeons, and other specialists for comprehensive patient care.
Types of Endoscopy :
There are many types of endoscopy procedures. The procedure specifics, including the body parts your provider is examining and where the scope goes in, are different, too :
Anoscopy : Scope goes through your anus (butthole) to look at your anus and rectum.
Arthroscopy : Scope goes through an incision above your joint to look for damage or conditions like arthritis.
Bronchoscopy : Scope goes through your mouth or nostril to look at your trachea (windpipe) and lungs.
Colonoscopy : Scope goes through your anus to look at your entire large intestine (colon).
Cystoscopy : Scope goes through your urethra (the tube that allows pee out of your body) to look at it and your bladder.
Enteroscopy : Scope goes through your mouth (for upper enteroscopy) or your anus (for lower enteroscopy) to look at your small intestine.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or upper endoscopy : Scope goes through your mouth to look at your esophagus, stomach and the upper part of your small intestine.
Hysteroscopy : Scope goes through your vagina to look at your uterus.
Laparoscopy : Scope goes through an incision in your abdomen to look at your abdominal and reproductive organs.
Laryngoscopy : Scope goes through your mouth or nostril to look at your voice box (larynx).
Mediastinoscopy : Scope goes through an incision above your breast bone to look at
Neuroendoscopy : Scope goes through an incision in your skull to look at your brain.
Proctoscopy (rigid sigmoidoscopy) : Scope goes through your anus to look at your anus and rectum.
Sigmoidoscopy (flexible sigmoidoscopy) : Scope goes through your anus to look at the lower part of your colon (called the sigmoid) and your rectum.
Thoracoscopy (also called a pleuroscopy) : Scope goes through an incision in your chest to look at your lungs and the area around your lungs, including your diaphragm, esophagus and chest walls.
Ureteroscopy : Scope goes through your urethra to look at the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder (ureters).
Detection of Diseases through Endoscopy :
An endoscopy can detect diseases that affect your :
Digestive system, including gastrointestinal diseases, colon polyps and colon cancer.
Head and neck, including swallowing disorders and laryngitis.
Joints, including arthritis, tears and dislocations.
Nervous system, including brain tumors.
Respiratory system, including lung disease and infections.
Urinary system, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones.
Reproductive system, including abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis and fertility issues.
Common Procedures Performed in an Endoscopy Unit :
Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy) : Examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Colonoscopy : Examination of the colon and rectum.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) : Examination and treatment of bile and pancreatic duct conditions.
Bronchoscopy : Examination of the airways and lungs.
Cystoscopy : Examination of the bladder and urinary tract.
Endoscopy treatments :
Certain endoscopes can be combined with tools that let medical professionals to perform like :
Seal wounds.
Inject medicine.
Drain fluid.
Stop internal bleeding.
Remove damaged tissue or tumors.
Fix blockages or widen organs that are too narrow.
Install stents, which are small tubes that open injured or obstructed organs.Install stents, which are small tubes that open injured or obstructed organs.
Perform surgeries.
Instead of using a big aperture, laparoscopy allows medical professionals to operate on organs through
microscopic incisions. This is sometimes called keyhole surgery. It’s much less invasive than traditional
surgery. It’s the preferred technique for treating many conditions.