Dorothy FarrarEndoscopy
Endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that enables a minimally invasive view of the internal organs under anesthesia . The knowledge gained in this way supports or excludes the suspicion of various diseases.
What is an endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a medical diagnostic procedure that is performed under either semi- or general anesthesia.
With an endoscopy (mirroring), the doctor can take a look at the internal organs such as the gastrointestinal tract or the lungs and, for example, detect tumors or inflammation. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are among the standard endoscopic examinations .
Depending on the diagnosis, the endoscopy is combined with a biopsy and tissue is removed, which is then examined histologically, i.e. under the microscope. In this way, endoscopy, in combination with other procedures, serves to provide a definitive diagnosis of diseases that cannot be detected solely with the patient’s blood count or other less invasive procedures. Endoscopy is often included
Function and application
An endoscopy is carried out if there is a suspicion of inflammation, injuries or tumors on and in the internal organs. Depending on the organ, the patient is put under semi- or general anesthesia, otherwise an endoscopy could not be performed pain-free. If the gastrointestinal tract is affected, it must first be emptied, for example using special laxatives under medical supervision.The endoscope is inserted either through the mouth, nose or rectum and is guided into the body until the diseased part of the organ is found and can be examined. The aim is to either confirm the first suspicion, rule it out or identify a completely different cause. During the endoscopy, the treating doctor gets a picture of how the disease of the organ is developing, in a way that he would not be able to do without the endoscopy – all other methods would be less precise than they are.
What does the patient have to consider in advance?
Depending on the location and type of endoscopy, the doctor will first inform you about the necessary rules of conduct prior to the procedure. In order to ensure an uncomplicated examination, it is important to follow the instructions exactly. This includes, above all, that you usually appear sober at an endoscopy. This means abstaining from eating, drinking and smoking prior to the examination. In the case of oral interventions (via the mouth), existing dentures or corresponding piercings must be removed. If you are nervous or insomnia before the operation, you should also ask for medical support. Some endoscopies are performed on an outpatient basis, so you only stay in the hospital for the procedure.
Procedure and implementation of the investigation
If the patient is not in the hospital anyway, he or she usually appears on an outpatient basis for an endoscopy and is called in well in advance.
Depending on which organ is examined endoscopically, it has to be prepared: The gastrointestinal tract is particularly problematic, it usually has to be emptied and cleaned with an enema or laxatives and rinses beforehand to ensure the best possible image quality.
The patient then receives local or general anesthesia, depending on the type and scope of the procedure. Depending on the purpose of the diagnosis, the endoscope is inserted into the appropriate skin or body opening (e.g. mouth, nose, rectum, skin incision).
The doctor can follow the images of the internal organs in detail on a screen. Abnormalities such as foreign bodies or polyps can be removed immediately using a mini gripper or forceps. In addition, if the suspected cases are unclear, a tissue sample (biopsy) is taken immediately.
Risks, dangers and complications
The risks of an endoscopy can be considered to be very low since it is now a routine procedure. It is possible, however, that the tissue is injured by the endoscope and needs to be sewn up.There can be no major injuries, but bleeding must still be stopped immediately.
In addition, it may be that the patient wakes up briefly from the anesthesia – he will not notice much, as this would be noticed immediately, but he will at least take a short memory from the endoscopy with him.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.