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Endoscopy is generally performed to diagnose diseases of the digestive tract. This is done by inserting an endoscope in the form of a special tube equipped with a camera and light at the end.
The purpose of endoscopy is to evaluate the walls and structures of the digestive tract clearly. This is done after symptoms of bleeding appear in the esophagus, stomach, colon and small intestine, and anus. With the endoscopy process, it is expected to know whether there is inflammation, tumors, polyps or other diseases in the digestive tract.
Endoscopy not only aims to diagnose the cause of the disease from the symptoms experienced, but is also used by doctors to biopsy internal organ tissue. Interestingly, this medical procedure makes it easy to treat internal diseases without surgery and only requires a small incision. There are even types of endoscopy such as capsule endoscopy that do not require an incision because the process involves swallowing a capsule-shaped device.
Endoscopy is not only used to examine the digestive tract but also the respiratory tract, reproductive tract and urinary tract.
In addition to the information above, here are some things you need to know about the endoscopy process:
1. It's not just GERD, these are the diseases that require endoscopy procedures
Endoscopic procedures are usually used to diagnose Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), but are also recommended when patients experience the following symptoms and conditions:
- Gastric injury or peptic ulcer.
- Chronic constipation.
- Inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatitis.
- Gallstones.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Blockage of the esophagus.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding.
- Bloody urine.
- Infection of the digestive tract.
- Tumors in the digestive tract.
- Hiatal hernia.
2. Types of endoscopy
Endoscopy is not just for finding out diseases in the digestive tract, but is much broader to see if there are problems in the respiratory tract, reproductive tract and urinary tract. Hence, there are many types of endoscopy based on the organs and body structures being examined, including:
- Arthroscopy: Endoscopy of the joints.
- Anoscopy: Endoscopy of the anal cavity.
- Bronchoscopy: Endoscopy of the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Endoscopy of the pancreas to the gallbladder, and is also used for biopsy and stenting.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) : Endoscopy of the digestive tract where the examination is combined with ultrasound.
- Esophagoscopy: Endoscopy of the esophagus.
- Enteroscopy: Endoscopy of digestive tract disorders of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum and small intestine.
- Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy): Endoscopy of the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine.
- Hysteroscope: Endoscopy of the uterus.
- Colonoscopy: Endoscopy of all parts of the large intestine.
- Colposcopy: Endoscopy of the cervix and vagina.
- Laryngoscopy: Endoscopy of the larynx or voice box and vocal cords.
- Laparoscopy: Endoscopy of the pelvis and abdomen.
- Mediastinoscopy: Endoscopy of organs in the mediastinum or the space between the lungs and lymph nodes.
- Neuroendoscopy: Endoscopy of the brain
- Panendoscopy: Endoscopy of the pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), esophagus, trachea, and bronchi.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Endoscopy of the sigmoid colon or the last part of the large intestine.
- Cystoscopy: Endoscopy of the inside of the urinary tract and bladder.
- Ureteroscopy: Endoscopy of the urinary tract, namely the ureter from the kidney to the bladder.
3. Conventional endoscopic techniques
Endoscopy using an endoscope in the form of a hose equipped with a camera and light is a conventional endoscopy technique. Usually done in two ways, namely through the top and bottom.
The upper endoscopy technique involves inserting the endoscope into the mouth through the esophagus, stomach and intestines. While the lower endoscopy technique is to insert the endoscope through the anus through the colon to certain organs.
4. Capsule endoscopy
Endoscopy can now be done more easily with capsule endoscopy technology. The endoscope is replaced with a capsule equipped with a camera to record the condition of the organ being passed.
The way it works is by swallowing the endoscopy capsule like taking regular medicine. Later the capsule will pass through the digestive tract so that conditions in the digestive organs can be recorded.
The advantage of this endoscopy capsule is that the results are clearer and better for evaluating the digestive tract to the small intestine. Compared to conventional endoscopy which has limitations that do not reach the small intestine. This tool is also more comfortable to use even without any incisions at all.
However, keep in mind that the endoscopy capsule also has side effects, one of which can get stuck in the digestive tract. This can be disruptive as the digestive tract is narrowed.
5. How long does the endoscopy process take ?
Conventional endoscopy usually takes 15 to 60 minutes. With a small incision, recovery is faster, so patients can go home immediately if there are no side effects.
As for capsule endoscopy, the findings can only be known in about 2 to 3 weeks. However, the process is not as easy as swallowing a capsule. You need to fast for 12 hours before swallowing the capsule.
The doctor will do the recording and collect the images. You can drink water after 2 hours, eat a light meal after 4 hours and the doctor will remove the recording device after 8 hours.
6. Endoscopy side effects
While capsule endoscopy has the side effect of getting stuck, conventional endoscopy is different. Although there are minimal side effects, there are some cases of fever, tearing and bleeding of the organs passed through, pain and discomfort, and infection.
Thank you for reading this article. Have a nice day.
