What is intestinal endoscopy. How does small bowel endoscopy differ from colonoscopy. What are the preparation steps for an endoscopic procedure. When is endoscopy recommended for diagnosing gastrointestinal conditions. What can patients expect during and after an endoscopic examination.

Understanding Intestinal Endoscopy: A Window into Digestive Health

Intestinal endoscopy is a crucial diagnostic and therapeutic tool in gastroenterology. This minimally invasive procedure allows medical professionals to visualize the interior of the digestive tract, diagnose various conditions, and even perform certain treatments. But what exactly does intestinal endoscopy entail?

At its core, endoscopy involves inserting a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera (endoscope) into the body to examine internal organs. In the context of intestinal health, there are several types of endoscopic procedures, each designed to explore different parts of the digestive system.

Types of Intestinal Endoscopy

• Upper Endoscopy: Examines the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine
• Colonoscopy: Explores the large intestine (colon) and rectum
• Small Bowel Endoscopy: Investigates the entire length of the small intestine

Why are these procedures so important? They allow doctors to detect and diagnose conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, tumors, and other gastrointestinal disorders that may not be visible through external examinations or imaging studies.

Small Bowel Endoscopy: A Deep Dive into Digestive Diagnostics

Small bowel endoscopy, also known as deep endoscopy, is a specialized procedure that focuses on examining the entire small intestine. This part of the digestive tract, spanning approximately 20 feet in length, connects the stomach to the large intestine and plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption.

How does small bowel endoscopy work? The procedure utilizes an endoscope fitted with special balloons. By inflating and deflating these balloons, the medical team can navigate the entire length of the small intestine, allowing for a comprehensive examination of this often hard-to-reach area.

Key Features of Small Bowel Endoscopy

• Allows visualization of the entire small intestine
• Can diagnose conditions like Crohn’s disease and celiac disease
• Enables both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions
• More comprehensive than traditional upper endoscopy or colonoscopy for small bowel issues

Is small bowel endoscopy painful? While the thought of the procedure might be intimidating, patients are typically sedated during the examination, ensuring they experience no pain or discomfort.

Colonoscopy vs. Small Bowel Endoscopy: Understanding the Differences

While both colonoscopy and small bowel endoscopy are forms of intestinal endoscopy, they serve different purposes and examine different parts of the digestive tract. How do these procedures differ?

Colonoscopy

• Examines the large intestine (colon) and rectum
• Typically used for colon cancer screening and diagnosing conditions affecting the large intestine
• Endoscope is inserted through the rectum

Small Bowel Endoscopy

• Focuses on the small intestine
• Used to diagnose conditions like Crohn’s disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract
• Endoscope is usually inserted through the mouth

Which procedure is right for you? The choice between colonoscopy and small bowel endoscopy depends on your symptoms and the suspected location of the problem. Your gastroenterologist will recommend the most appropriate procedure based on your individual case.

Preparing for Your Intestinal Endoscopy: Essential Steps for Success

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful endoscopic procedure. The specific steps may vary depending on the type of endoscopy you’re undergoing, but there are some general guidelines to follow.

General Preparation Guidelines

• Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully
• Inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
• Fast for the recommended period before the examination

Specific Preparations for Different Types of Endoscopy

For upper endoscopy:

• Fast for at least 6 hours before the procedure
• Avoid drinking liquids for 4 hours before the examination

For colonoscopy:

• Follow a clear liquid diet for 24-72 hours before the procedure
• Take the prescribed laxative solution to clear your bowels
• Avoid solid foods and opaque liquids

For small bowel endoscopy:

• Follow instructions similar to those for upper endoscopy
• You may need to fast for a longer period due to the length of the procedure

How long does the preparation process take? The duration can vary, but for colonoscopy, you might need to start preparing 1-3 days before the procedure. For upper endoscopy and small bowel endoscopy, preparation typically begins the day before.

The Endoscopy Procedure: What to Expect During Your Examination

Understanding what happens during an endoscopic procedure can help alleviate anxiety and ensure you’re fully prepared. While the specifics may vary depending on the type of endoscopy, there are some common elements to all procedures.

General Steps of an Endoscopic Procedure

1. You’ll be asked to change into a hospital gown
2. Your vital signs will be monitored throughout the procedure
3. You’ll be given sedation to help you relax
4. The endoscope will be inserted (through the mouth for upper and small bowel endoscopy, or through the rectum for colonoscopy)
5. The doctor will examine the relevant part of your digestive tract
6. If necessary, biopsies may be taken or treatments performed
7. The endoscope will be removed
8. You’ll be monitored in a recovery area as the sedation wears off

How long does an endoscopy procedure take? The duration can vary, but typically:

• Upper endoscopy: 15-30 minutes
• Colonoscopy: 30-60 minutes
• Small bowel endoscopy: 1-2 hours

Will you feel pain during the procedure? Thanks to sedation, most patients experience little to no discomfort during endoscopy. You may feel some pressure or bloating, but actual pain is rare.

After the Endoscopy: Recovery and Next Steps

Once your endoscopic procedure is complete, what can you expect? The recovery process is generally straightforward, but there are important things to keep in mind.

Immediate Post-Procedure Period

• You’ll be monitored in a recovery area until the sedation wears off
• You may feel bloated or have a sore throat (for upper endoscopy)
• You’ll be advised not to drive or make important decisions for the rest of the day

Going Home and Follow-up

• Arrange for someone to drive you home
• Rest for the remainder of the day
• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding diet and activities
• Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments

How soon can you return to normal activities? Most people can resume their regular routine the day after the procedure. However, always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.

When will you receive your results? Your doctor may discuss preliminary findings immediately after the procedure. However, if biopsies were taken, it may take several days to receive the full results.

Potential Risks and Complications of Intestinal Endoscopy

While endoscopic procedures are generally safe, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and complications. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions and know what to watch for after your procedure.

Common Side Effects

• Bloating and gas
• Mild cramping
• Sore throat (for upper endoscopy and small bowel endoscopy)

Rare but Serious Complications

• Bleeding, especially if a biopsy was performed
• Infection
• Perforation (a tear in the gut wall)
• Adverse reaction to sedation

How common are serious complications? They are rare, occurring in less than 1% of procedures. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs and seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe pain, fever, or bleeding after your endoscopy.

Can endoscopy miss certain conditions? While endoscopy is a highly effective diagnostic tool, no test is perfect. Some small lesions or early-stage conditions might be missed. This is why it’s important to communicate all your symptoms to your doctor and follow up as recommended.

Advances in Endoscopic Technology: The Future of Digestive Diagnostics

The field of endoscopy is continuously evolving, with new technologies enhancing diagnostic capabilities and patient comfort. What are some of the latest advancements in endoscopic procedures?

Capsule Endoscopy

This innovative technique involves swallowing a small capsule containing a camera. As it travels through your digestive tract, it captures images that are transmitted to a recorder you wear. This method is particularly useful for examining the small intestine.

Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy

This advanced technology allows for microscopic examination of the gut lining in real-time during the endoscopy. It can help in the early detection of precancerous changes and other minute abnormalities.

Artificial Intelligence in Endoscopy

AI algorithms are being developed to assist in analyzing endoscopic images, potentially improving the detection rate of abnormalities and reducing the risk of missed diagnoses.

How will these advancements impact patient care? These technologies have the potential to make endoscopic procedures more accurate, less invasive, and more comfortable for patients. They may also allow for earlier detection of conditions like colorectal cancer, improving treatment outcomes.

Are these new technologies widely available? While some are already in use, others are still in the research and development phase. As they become more established, we can expect to see them increasingly incorporated into routine clinical practice.

Intestinal endoscopy plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating a wide range of digestive disorders. From the comprehensive examination provided by small bowel endoscopy to the cancer-screening capabilities of colonoscopy, these procedures offer invaluable insights into our digestive health. As technology continues to advance, we can look forward to even more precise, comfortable, and informative endoscopic examinations in the future.

Remember, if you’re experiencing persistent digestive symptoms or are due for a screening endoscopy, don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life. Stay proactive about your digestive health – your body will thank you for it.

Small Bowel Endoscopy | Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Henry Ford Health

Minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing IBD.

Your small intestine, also known as the small bowel, connects the stomach to the large intestine (colon). The small bowel is often the site of painful conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease (an immune disease in which eating foods with gluten leads to damage in the small intestine).

At Henry Ford, we use several diagnostic procedures to determine the cause of your discomfort, where in your digestive tract the issue is located and how severe the issue is. One of these procedures is small-bowel endoscopy, also known as deep endoscopy. Some other digestive centers don’t offer small-bowel endoscopy because of the time and coordination involved in the procedure, but it’s a valuable tool that helps us accurately diagnose our patients.

Our team includes specialists in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with the expertise you need for a precise diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. No matter what’s causing your symptoms, we’re here to help.

What is a small-bowel endoscopy?

A small-bowel endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which we examine your entire small intestine, which is about 20 feet long. We use special balloons that fit over a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, which has a light and a video camera. By inflating and deflating the balloons, we move the small bowel over the endoscope so we can examine it.

The endoscope lets us see nearly any part of the small bowel so we can diagnose the cause of your symptoms. We also can treat your condition if needed with the help of tiny tools we pass through the endoscope and into your small bowel.

What’s the difference between a small-bowel endoscopy and a colonoscopy?

While small-bowel endoscopy and colonoscopy are both types of endoscopy, the procedures are very different. Because Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, we use small-bowel endoscopy for its greater ability to view any part of the digestive tract. Colonoscopy, by contrast, lets us view changes and areas of concern in the large intestine (colon) only.

Because of a colonoscopy’s more limited viewing area, a small-bowel endoscopy is the better choice for locating and diagnosing Crohn’s disease.

What to expect during your small-bowel endoscopy

Before your procedure, we’ll give you instructions on how to prepare for your small-bowel endoscopy. You may need to fast (not eat or drink) before your endoscopy so your stomach is empty for the procedure.

If you take certain blood-thinning medications, you may need to stop taking them in the days before your endoscopy, as these medications can increase your risk of bleeding during the procedure. Your doctor will give you instructions about any medications you may take for chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure.

On the day of your procedure, one of our expert anesthesiologists will sedate you. While you’re sedated, your doctor will pass the endoscope through your mouth and stomach and into the small intestine. You will not feel any pain during your endoscopy.

The procedure will last an hour or two. Afterward, you’ll rest until your sedation wears off. You won’t be able to drive, so please plan on having someone available to take you home.

Understanding upper endoscopy and colonoscopy – Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Visiting Dana-Farber? See our prescreening and mask requirements.

• 
  
  

  What is endoscopy?

  Endoscopy is a procedure in which the gastro-intestinal tract (GI tract) is viewed through a lighted, flexible tube with a camera at the end (endoscope). Small samples of tissues cells (biopsy) can also be collected and sent for testing.

  There are two basic types of endoscopy:

  1. Upper endoscopy – The esophagus, stomach, and small intestines can be viewed by a thin flexible tube inserted through the mouth.
  2. Colonoscopy – The lining of the large intestine, colon and rectum can be viewed by a flexible tube inserted through the rectum.

  Preparation

  • Blood tests are sometimes required.
  • Medications can be given by vein if needed.
  • Please arrange for a ride home. You may feel drowsy after the procedure due to medications.
  • Upper endoscopy: No food or drink is allowed for six hours before the procedure. An empty stomach allows for the best view and safest exam.
  • Colonoscopy: Drink only clear liquids for at least 24 hours before the procedure. A laxative or special cleansing solution will be ordered by the physician to clear the bowel of stool so that the rectum/intestines can be seen. (See below for specific instructions)

  Day of procedure

  • The doctor will explain the procedure and get your consent.
  • Tell your doctor about medications you are taking.
  • Discuss allergies to medications and other medical conditions.
  • This is the time to ask questions about procedure.

  What can I expect during upper endoscopy?

  Your doctor will spray your throat with a local anesthetic or give you a sedative to help you relax. You’ll then lie on your side, and a doctor will pass the endoscope through your mouth and into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The endoscope doesn’t interfere with your breathing. Most patients consider the test only slightly uncomfortable, and many patients fall asleep during the procedure.

  What happens after upper endoscopy?

  You will be observed closely until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. Your throat might be a little sore, and you might feel temporarily bloated due to the air introduced into your stomach during the test. You will be able to eat after you leave unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

  Your doctor generally can tell you your test results on the day of the procedure; however, the results of some tests might take several days.

  If you received sedatives, you won’t be allowed to drive after the procedure even though you might not feel tired. You should arrange for someone to accompany you home because the sedatives may affect your judgment and reflexes for the rest of the day.

  What happens during colonoscopy?

  Colonoscopy is well-tolerated and rarely causes much pain. You might feel pressure, bloating or cramping during the procedure. You will likely receive a sedative to help you relax and better tolerate any discomfort.

  You will lie on your side or back while your doctor slowly advances a flexible tube (colonoscope) through your large intestine to examine the lining. The whole procedure itself usually takes 45 to 60 minutes, although you should plan on two to three hours for waiting, preparation and recovery.

  What happens after a colonoscopy?

  Your physician will explain the results of the examination to you, although you’ll have to wait for the results of any biopsies performed. If you were given sedatives during the procedure, someone must drive you home and stay with you. Even if you feel alert after the procedure, your judgment and reflexes could be slow for the rest of the day. You may have some cramping or bloating because of the air introduced into the colon during the examination. This should disappear quickly when you pass gas.

  You should be able to eat after the examination, but your doctor may restrict your diet and activities, especially after the removal of any polyps.

  
  
  

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• Treatments & Procedures

What is bowel endoscopy: how to prepare and undergo an examination, indications and contraindications

Bowel endoscopy is a type of diagnostic examination that allows you to see the state of this organ from the inside. It is performed using an endoscope – a flexible device equipped with light, a camera, and in some cases a needle for biopsy (taking a tissue sample for examination in a laboratory).

Types of endoscopy

There are several main types of endoscopic examination of the intestine:

• Capsule – used to examine the small intestine; the patient swallows the capsule, which contains a camera that takes pictures as it moves; data is transmitted using a sensor, and the capsule itself subsequently leaves the body naturally
• Colonoscopy – endoscopic examination of the large intestine; a tube of small diameter and long length (up to one and a half meters) is inserted through the rectum
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy – used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and the initial area of ​​the small intestine; during the procedure, a gastroscope (a type of endoscope) is inserted into the patient through the oral cavity and pharynx to a depth of 30 cm
• Sigmoidoscopy – endoscopic examination of the rectum; during the procedure, an endoscopic device

is inserted through the rectum to a depth of 30 centimeters

Indications for bowel endoscopy

Each type of bowel endoscopy is used to identify different diseases:

• Capsule
• Bleeding from the area of ​​the small intestine
• Crohn’s disease
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Neoplasms of the small intestine
• Colonoscopy
• Discharge of blood, mucous or purulent masses from the intestines
• Pain in the anus
• Inflammation, colitis
• Change or disturbance of stool
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
• Peptic ulcer
• Gastritis
• Bleeding
• Violation of the digestive tract
• Suspicion of a malignant tumor
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Chronic hemorrhagic disease
• Probability of neoplasm in large intestine
• Paraproctitis
• Suspected prostate tumor (in men)

The doctor may also send the patient for an endoscopic examination of the colon, small intestine, or rectum if symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain of unknown origin
• Foreign body in intestines
• Gastric or intestinal obstruction
• Weight loss with anemia, high fever
• Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract

Endoscopy can also be done to monitor results after surgery.

Contraindications

Endoscopic examination of the intestine is not performed if the patient:

• Diagnosed with severe ulcerative colitis
• Impaired blood clotting
• Bowel perforation suspected
• Abnormal enlargement of the colon (toxic megacolon)
• State of shock
• Severe mental disorders
• Inflammatory or edematous lesions of the areas through which the endoscope will be inserted
• Acute heart disease
• Allergic reactions

Preparing for your procedure

Preparing for an endoscopic examination of the intestine consists of two main steps:

• Diet 2 days before procedure
• Cleansing the gastrointestinal tract from food debris and feces on the eve of the procedure

Diet includes:

• Lean boiled fish or chicken
• Dairy products
• Lean biscuits (biscuits, etc. )

Should be eliminated from the diet:

• Milk
• Black bread
• Kvass
• Legumes (beans, peas, etc.)
• Cereals (millet, oatmeal, etc.)
• Fresh (not cooked) fruits, berries, vegetables, herbs

Cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract should be carried out with an enema or special preparations (they may be prescribed by a doctor).

How bowel endoscopy is performed

The procedure depends on the type of procedure.

Capsule endoscopy:

• The patient swallows a capsule with a camera
• The camera moves through the digestive tract and takes pictures
• Images are transferred to the doctor’s computer
• Specialist can control the camera, turn it on or off temporarily
• The patient can be in any position, engage in various activities
• Treatment lasts 8-9 hours
• The camera is removed from the body of the subject in a natural way

Colonoscopy:

• The patient lies on his side with his legs drawn up to his stomach (he lies on his back when necessary)
• Physician administering local anesthesia
• The device is placed in the patient’s rectum to a depth of 30 cm
• If necessary, during the manipulations, medical procedures can be carried out: removal of a neoplasm, stop bleeding, removal of a foreign body
• Colonoscopy lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy:

• The patient lies on the left side
• Physician applying local anesthesia
• The endoscope is placed through the mouth into the esophagus and then into the stomach and duodenum
• According to the indications, small foreign bodies can be removed during the examination, and a tissue sample can be taken for laboratory testing
• The procedure lasts 5-20 minutes (depending on the manipulations to be carried out)

Sigmoidoscopy:

• The patient stands in the knee-elbow position on the couch
• Doctor examines the anus by palpation
• The instrument is lubricated with petroleum jelly and inserted into the rectum
• The specialist removes the stop and places the endoscope further
• The tip of the device moves along the intestinal lumen
• Treatment lasts 10-15 minutes

Advantages of the procedure at MEDSI

• MEDSI clinics are equipped with modern equipment – video endoscopic systems and instruments from the Japanese company Olympus and German Xion – which allows you to make the diagnosis most accurately and quickly
• Application of various types of endo-procedures and other diagnostic methods
• If necessary, doctors of related profiles are involved in the diagnosis
• Patients are offered a comfortable hospital and international level service

To make an appointment for a consultation, call the round-the-clock phone 8 (495) 7-800-500.

Do not delay treatment, see a doctor now:

• Endoscopy
• Endoscopy Center at CDC on Krasnaya Presnya
• MSCT of the intestine (virtual colonoscopy)

Endoscopy – what it is, what are the advantages

Endoscopy is an invasive method for examining hollow organs using endoscopes – flexible tubes equipped with a light source and passages for inserting surgical instruments. Endoscopic research methods are widely used in proctology, gastroenterology, otolaryngology, oncology, surgery and other areas of medicine.

The uniqueness of the method is due to its accuracy and information content. During the procedure, the doctor can take the material for a histological examination, carry out a number of therapeutic measures, and reliably assess the condition of the membranes lining the organ. Endoscopy – what kind of procedure it is, what are the advantages – experts will answer these and other questions in the article below.

Possibilities of endoscopy

Endoscopy is considered a universal method for detecting diseases of hollow organs and entire systems. The procedure is prescribed as a primary or differential diagnosis. The possibilities of endoscopic examination are wide:

• early diagnosis of structural changes in mucous membranes, tumors;
• detection of erosive foci, polyps, diverticula, ulcers;
• determination of infectious and inflammatory foci;
• tissue biopsy with biopsy sampling for histological analysis;
• administration of drugs for the purpose of antibacterial or antiseptic treatment of a hollow organ;
• laser treatment, cryodestruction method (for example, when removing polyposis formations).

Thanks to endoscopy, low-traumatic surgical interventions, catheterization, bypass procedures can be performed.

Scope

Rigid or flexible endoscopes (fiberscopes) are used in endoscopy. Flexible have a fiberglass structure – an image conductor to a computer.

Today, video endoscopes equipped with a miniature video camera are more commonly used. The device transmits information to the computer in real time. The tube of rigid endoscopes is made of metal. Main types of endoscopes:

• arthroscope – study of articular structures;
• hysteroscope for examining the internal female genital organs;
• colonoscope – allows you to examine the large intestine;
• proctosigmoscope – the equipment allows diagnosing diseases of the rectum and sigmoid colon;
• tracheobronchoscope – examines the airways;
• laparoscope – used in the diagnosis of diseases of the peritoneum and abdominal space;
• gastroscope (esophagogastroduodenoscope) – the equipment allows you to evaluate the organ complex of the upper digestive tract;
• cystoscope – a device used in urology, nephrology and gynecology for the diagnosis of diseases of the genitourinary system.

The endoscopy procedure is named according to the equipment chosen. So, when using a colonoscope as part of the diagnosis of proctological diseases, they talk about colonoscopy, when using an arthroscope, about conducting arthroscopy, if necessary, studies of the gastrointestinal tract suggest fibrogastroduodenoscopy.

How an endoscopy is done

Endoscopic examination is carried out through natural anatomical passages. The procedure is often performed under local anesthesia to maintain patient contact on an outpatient basis. Sometimes the question of the need for anesthesia is decided.

In some cases, such as laparoscopy, the insertion of the equipment is carried out through punctures. In this case, patients are in the hospital until the state of health normalizes.

Endoscopic technique is widely used for appendicitis, removal of the gallbladder, tumors, heart bypass. Endoscopy in surgery reduces the invasiveness of the operation, accelerates the recovery of patients and minimizes intra- and postoperative complications.

The most common endoscopic examinations

Most often, endoscopy is performed in gastroenterological and proctological practice. These studies are distinguished by their availability and good tolerability by patients. How is endoscopy performed in the study of the upper and lower digestive tract, the genitourinary system.

FGDS or fibrogastroduodenoscopy

Performed when the patient complains of discomfort and pain in the stomach, in preparation for abdominal surgery, for dynamic control of the prescribed treatment. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and lasts no more than 5 minutes.

The gastroscope is inserted into the patient through the oropharynx, having previously treated the throat with a solution of lidocaine. The patient is fitted with a mouthpiece, which must be clamped with teeth. At the deep entrance, the endoscope is immersed through the esophagus to the stomach. Inspection is carried out with the injection of air into the cavity of the stomach to straighten the mucous membranes for better visualization.

At the end of the examination, the doctor makes a conclusion. If necessary, take pictures, fix the nuances of the study.

Intestinal examination

Endoscopy of the intestine or colonoscopy is a common method for detecting diseases of the large intestine, various pathological changes in the membranes. Examination of the lining mucous membranes and the walls of the organ is performed using a flexible endoscope for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Indications for intestinal endoscopy are:

• heaviness during emptying, constipation, episodes of intestinal obstruction;
• ulcerative erosive process;
• bleeding of the digestive tract;
• pain;
• polyps, neoplasms.

In diseases of the rectum in the sigmoid segment of the intestine, sigmoidoscopy is indicated. The study is carried out using a proctoscope – a tube with a lighting device and an air injection mechanism. Sigmoidoscopy allows you to assess the length of the intestine up to 22-30 cm from the entrance to the anus.

Genitourinary system

Endoscopy in urology or gynecology is a ureteroscopy or cystoscopy procedure. Both methods can detect diseases of the bladder and urinary tract.

Cystoscopy allows you to evaluate the function of the kidneys, the condition of the bladder, the presence of foreign bodies, foci of ureteral stricture. With the help of a cystoscope, it is possible to carry out procedures for instilling the bladder with antibacterial drugs, antiseptics for chronic cystitis, install a urethral catheter, and take tissues for histological examination.

Today, endoscopy is the method of choice in the diagnosis of hollow organs, along with ultrasound examination. The procedure has a wide range of indications and possibilities. After an endoscopic examination, the reliability of the final diagnosis increases dramatically. Modern diagnostic approaches minimize discomfort and pain for patients.

Endoscopy is an invasive method for examining hollow organs using endoscopes – flexible tubes equipped with a light source and passages for inserting surgical instruments. Endoscopic research methods are widely used in proctology, gastroenterology, otolaryngology, oncology, surgery and other areas of medicine.

The uniqueness of the method is due to its accuracy and information content. During the procedure, the doctor can take the material for a histological examination, carry out a number of therapeutic measures, and reliably assess the condition of the membranes lining the organ. Endoscopy – what kind of procedure it is, what are the advantages – experts will answer these and other questions in the article below.

Possibilities of endoscopy

Endoscopy is considered a universal method for detecting diseases of hollow organs and entire systems. The procedure is prescribed as a primary or differential diagnosis. The possibilities of endoscopic examination are wide:

• early diagnosis of structural changes in mucous membranes, tumors;
• detection of erosive foci, polyps, diverticula, ulcers;
• determination of infectious and inflammatory foci;
• tissue biopsy with biopsy sampling for histological analysis;
• administration of drugs for the purpose of antibacterial or antiseptic treatment of a hollow organ;
• laser treatment, cryodestruction method (for example, when removing polyposis formations).

Thanks to endoscopy, low-traumatic surgical interventions, catheterization, bypass procedures can be performed.

Scope

Rigid or flexible endoscopes (fiberscopes) are used in endoscopy. Flexible have a fiberglass structure – an image conductor to a computer.

Today, video endoscopes equipped with a miniature video camera are more commonly used. The device transmits information to the computer in real time. The tube of rigid endoscopes is made of metal. Main types of endoscopes:

• arthroscope – study of articular structures;
• hysteroscope for examining the internal female genital organs;
• colonoscope – allows you to examine the large intestine;
• proctosigmoscope – the equipment allows diagnosing diseases of the rectum and sigmoid colon;
• tracheobronchoscope – examines the airways;
• laparoscope – used in the diagnosis of diseases of the peritoneum and abdominal space;
• gastroscope (esophagogastroduodenoscope) – the equipment allows you to evaluate the organ complex of the upper digestive tract;
• cystoscope – a device used in urology, nephrology and gynecology for the diagnosis of diseases of the genitourinary system.

The endoscopy procedure is named according to the equipment chosen. So, when using a colonoscope as part of the diagnosis of proctological diseases, they talk about colonoscopy, when using an arthroscope, about conducting arthroscopy, if necessary, studies of the gastrointestinal tract suggest fibrogastroduodenoscopy.

How an endoscopy is done

Endoscopic examination is carried out through natural anatomical passages. The procedure is often performed under local anesthesia to maintain patient contact on an outpatient basis. Sometimes the question of the need for anesthesia is decided.

In some cases, such as laparoscopy, the insertion of the equipment is carried out through punctures. In this case, patients are in the hospital until the state of health normalizes.

Endoscopic technique is widely used for appendicitis, removal of the gallbladder, tumors, heart bypass. Endoscopy in surgery reduces the invasiveness of the operation, accelerates the recovery of patients and minimizes intra- and postoperative complications.

The most common endoscopic examinations

Most often, endoscopy is performed in gastroenterological and proctological practice. These studies are distinguished by their availability and good tolerability by patients. How is endoscopy performed in the study of the upper and lower digestive tract, the genitourinary system.

FGDS or fibrogastroduodenoscopy

Performed when the patient complains of discomfort and pain in the stomach, in preparation for abdominal surgery, for dynamic control of the prescribed treatment. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and lasts no more than 5 minutes.

The gastroscope is inserted into the patient through the oropharynx, having previously treated the throat with a solution of lidocaine. The patient is fitted with a mouthpiece, which must be clamped with teeth. At the deep entrance, the endoscope is immersed through the esophagus to the stomach. Inspection is carried out with the injection of air into the cavity of the stomach to straighten the mucous membranes for better visualization.

At the end of the examination, the doctor makes a conclusion. If necessary, take pictures, fix the nuances of the study.

Intestinal examination

Endoscopy of the intestine or colonoscopy is a common method for detecting diseases of the large intestine, various pathological changes in the membranes. Examination of the lining mucous membranes and the walls of the organ is performed using a flexible endoscope for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Indications for intestinal endoscopy are:

• heaviness during emptying, constipation, episodes of intestinal obstruction;
• ulcerative erosive process;
• bleeding of the digestive tract;
• pain;
• polyps, neoplasms.

In diseases of the rectum in the sigmoid segment of the intestine, sigmoidoscopy is indicated. The study is carried out using a proctoscope – a tube with a lighting device and an air injection mechanism. Sigmoidoscopy allows you to assess the length of the intestine up to 22-30 cm from the entrance to the anus.