What is endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive way to examine the inside of the body non-surgically. An endoscope; a long tube with a camera attached to the end of it, is inserted through the rectum, or down the throat so that the doctor can examine the internal organs. Patients are generally sedated to make the procedure more comfortable, and in rare cases a general anesthetic may be provided.
What is endoscopy used for?
Endoscopy is usually used to identify the causes of:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heartburn
- Bleeding
- Swallowing disorders
- Indigestion
- Reflux
- Chest pain
- Ulcers/tumors
- Inflammation
- Gastric cancer
What is upper endoscopy?
Upper endoscopy uses a thin scope to examine the upper digestive system. The scope enables the physician to thoroughly examine the lining of internal organs, and allows the physician to see things that can not be detected through traditional x-rays and screenings.
What are other common types of endoscopy?
- Colonoscopy –Colon
- Rhinoscopy - Nose
- Bronchoscopy - Respiratory tract
- Cystoscopy - Urinary tract
- Colposcopy -Cervix
- Hysteroscopy -Uterus
- Laparoscopy - Abdominal or pelvic cavity
- Arthroscopy - Interior of a joint
- Amnioscopy - Amnion
- Fetoscopy – Used to examine the fetus during pregnancy
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