What is Endoscopy and why it is performed
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure that enables doctors to visualize the internal organs of the body. The procedure is performed with the help of an endoscope, which is a long, thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera and light. The endoscope is inserted into the body through an opening, such as the mouth or rectum, and the images captured by the camera are displayed on a monitor. Endoscopy can be performed to diagnose and treat various medical conditions, and it is a safe and effective method for obtaining images of the inside of the body.
Types of Endoscopy
There are several types of endoscopy, each designed to visualize different parts of the body. A gastroenterologist performs endoscopy in the following formats –
- Upper GI endoscopy: This type of endoscopy is used to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
- Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is performed to visualize the inside of the large intestine and rectum.
Why Endoscopy is performed
Endoscopy is performed for several reasons, including:
- Diagnosis: Endoscopy is used to diagnose various medical conditions, including gastrointestinal bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, and cancer.
- Treatment: Endoscopy can also be used to treat certain conditions, such as the removal of polyps or the removal of a foreign object. Also used to treat active bleeding with banding, glue injection, heater probe, clip application.
- Monitoring: Endoscopy is often performed to monitor the progress of a medical condition and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Benefits of Endoscopy
Endoscopy has several benefits over traditional surgical methods, including:
- Minimally Invasive: Endoscopy is minimally invasive, meaning that it does not require a large incision or significant scarring.
- Quick Recovery: Endoscopy typically results in a quick recovery time, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days.
- Accurate Diagnosis: Endoscopy allows doctors to obtain accurate images of the inside of the body, which can help to diagnose medical conditions more accurately.
- Effective Treatment: Endoscopy can also be used to treat certain conditions, such as the removal of polyps or the removal of a foreign object.
In conclusion, endoscopy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method for obtaining images of the inside of the body. It is used for both diagnosis and treatment, and it has several benefits over traditional surgical methods. If you have a medical condition that may require endoscopy, be sure to discuss the procedure with your doctor to determine if it is the right option for you.