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• Investigate, diagnose and treat
• Upper endoscopy
• Lower endoscopy
• Before and after endoscopy
An endoscopy is a procedure that involves the use of a tiny camera on the end of a long, flexible tube that is carefully inserted into the body. The tiny camera transmits images to a video monitor, which the doctor watches to guide the flexible tube and search for abnormalities. This procedure enables doctors to investigate and determine the root cause of symptoms, diagnose through the collection of tissue samples (biopsy) to test for diseases and conditions and, sometimes, treat problems by passing special tools through the endoscope.
An upper endoscopy allows for visual examination of the upper digestive system for conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). Through this procedure doctors can evaluate stomach pain, ulcers, gastritis, difficulty swallowing, and digestive tract bleeding.
A lower endoscopy examines the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Doctors can carefully inspect the rectum, colon, and sigmoid colon in combination with a colonoscopy and a sigmoidoscopy to evaluate changes in bowel habits, identify inflammation, polyps or growths, remove polyps, collect biopsy samples, or diagnose cancer.
In preparation for an endoscopy your doctor may ask you to fast by not taking certain medications or not eating or drinking four to eight hours beforehand to ensure your stomach is empty. During the procedure you will receive a sedative to relax you and make you more comfortable. Afterwards you may feel mentally alert but your reaction times and judgment may be impaired, so plan for transportation home.