Endoscopy Types, Procedure, Purpose and Benefits

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a procedure to find out and evaluate problems in the body’s organs. The tool uses an endoscope, which is equipped with a small camera on the end.

The doctor will insert this long, thin tube into the mouth. The doctor will then move the instrument over the affected area of ​​the body to help evaluate the disorder.

What kind of endoscopy examination?

There are many types of procedures in this examination. The tools and names of the procedures will depend on which part of the body the doctor is examining. The type will also adjust to the symptoms the sufferer is experiencing.

Types of Endoscopy 

How is the endoscope inserted? The procedure will depend on the type of endoscope and which area the doctor will examine. Here are some types:

• Anoscopy: The instrument is called an anoscope which the doctor inserts through the anus.
• Arthroscopy: The procedure involves inserting an arthroscope through a small incision over the joint.
• Bronchoscopy: Through a bronchoscope, the doctor can detect problems in the trachea, throat, and lungs through the mouth.
• Colonoscopy: The instrument is called a colonoscope which the doctor inserts through the anus.
• Colposcopy: This method uses a tool called a colposcope and places it in the vaginal opening.
• Cystoscopy: The procedure involves a cystoscope inserted through the urethra.
• Enteroscopy: Diagnosing conditions in the small digestive tract using a special camera.
• Esophagoscopy: Using a sophagoscope to detect esophageal problems and the doctor inserts it through the mouth.
• Gastroscopy: Through a gastroscope through the mouth, the doctor is able to detect problems in the stomach and duodenum.
• Hysteroscopy: Examination of the uterine cavity with an instrument called a hysteroscope to diagnose gynecological disorders.
• Laparoscopy: With a laparoscope, the doctor can evaluate the condition of the abdomen, liver, or other abdominal organs. This includes the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
• Laryngoscopy: This method uses a tool called a laryngoscope through the mouth.
• Mediastinoscopy: Examines the area around the lungs and heart (mediastinum) to detect disease or take tissue samples.
• Neuroendoscopy: A procedure using a neuroendoscope to detect problems in the brain through a small incision in the skull.
• Proctoscopy: Using a proctoscope, the doctor can detect problems in the rectum and sigmoid colon through the anus.
• Sigmoidoscopy: The instrument is called a sigmoidoscope which is inserted through the anus.

Purpose and Benefits of Endoscopy Examination 

Through an endoscopy procedure, doctors can examine organs without making large incisions through open surgery. Generally, doctors do it if the patient wants to undergo surgery or has specific symptoms of the disease.

Here are the various benefits of endoscopic examinations that you need to know:

1. Check the symptoms or complaints experienced by the patient

Procedures can check for symptoms of disease in a particular area or organ. A gastric endoscopy, for example. Here the doctor can see and detect abnormalities in the stomach organ.

The procedure uses a tool called an endoscope. With a small tube with a camera tip, the doctor can see infections, wounds, infections, and even the development of cancer cells in the stomach.

2. Diagnosing disease

After knowing the symptoms, the doctor continues the examination by taking tissue samples or biopsies. Then, the doctor will examine the samples to confirm the disease.

3. Screening and preventing cancer

In addition to diagnosing diseases, biopsies can also help detect early and prevent cancer. A colonoscopy procedure, for example, involves a doctor removing polyps from the colon to prevent cancer.

4. Treating diseases

Finally, the doctor performs procedures to treat certain diseases. The methods include:

• Laparoscopy with small incisions in the skin.
• Laser therapy to break up or destroy cancer cells.
• Operation on the digestive tract with an endoscope.
• Administration of drugs directly to internal organs of the body.

Indications for Endoscopy 

Doctors perform this procedure with primary goals in mind, such as:

• Finding the cause of symptoms or health problems experienced by patients.
• Evaluate the condition of organs during surgery.
• Taking organ tissue samples or biopsies.

Next, endoscopy for what disease? When should someone have an endoscopy?

The doctor can perform this procedure if the patient experiences several of the conditions below, as well as detecting the cause of the symptoms in the form of:

• Chronic cough or coughing up blood.
• Continuous vomiting of blood.
• Prolonged diarrhea.
• Significant weight loss.
• Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing.
• A stomach ache that doesn’t get better.
• A burning sensation in the epigastric area.
• Bloody urination.
• Inability to hold urine.
• Recurrent miscarriage.
• Experiencing bleeding from the vagina.

Meanwhile, here are some actions that are helped by endoscopic procedures such as:

• Removing gallstones.
• Fixing problems in the joint area.
• Removing myoma in the uterus
• Placing a device called a stent in the bile duct or pancreas.
• Crushing stones and placing a stent in the urinary tract.
• Removing the appendix that has become inflamed.
• Stopping bleeding in people with gastric ulcer problems

Endoscopy Warnings and Contraindications

Although generally safe, not all types of examinations can be performed.

In gastroscopy and esophagoscopy procedures, some people with the following conditions should not undergo them:

• Shock or a drastic drop in blood pressure.
• Having a heart attack.
• Having an open wound on the surface of the skin.

Apart from the above points, there are several contraindications to the examination, such as:

• Are taking blood thinners. For example, warfarin or clopidogrel.
• Are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). For example, ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.
• Have allergies to anesthetics, plaster, and latex.
• Suffering from heart rhythm disorders or arrhythmia.
• Suffering from ischemia or disturbances in blood flow.

What Does Research Say About Endoscopy?

The research released by the World Journal of Gastroenterology entitled Recent advances in diagnostic upper endoscopy (2020) has looked for ways to improve Esophagogastroduodenoscopy  (EGD) examinations, which is a procedure to detect problems in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Of the 67 studies analyzed, it was found that preparation before the examination using simethicone or pronase can help make the stomach and esophageal areas more clearly visible.

Proper sedation, such as using propofol, not only makes the patient more comfortable but also helps the doctor better detect problems.

New imaging technologies, such as Blue Laser Imaging (BLI) and Linked Color Imaging (LCI), are very useful in finding cancer at an early stage. In addition, examining carefully over a long period of time and taking images systematically can improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Overall, this study shows that technological advances can help in early detection of digestive diseases, including cancer, if performed with appropriate and standardized techniques.

Facts about Endoscopy

1. Endoscopes were first used in the late 18th century using a simple metal tube and a candle as a light source.
2. Modern fiber optics in endoscopes allow doctors to view internal organs in high resolution without major surgery.
3. Capsule endoscopy was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2001.

Preparation Before Endoscopy

The doctor will usually provide instructions regarding preparation before the endoscopy. For example, asking the insurance provider about costs and approval.

Here are the endoscopy preparations you need to do before undergoing the procedure:

1. Health check

The doctor will check the patient’s complete medical history. This is done by asking about the disorders being experienced and family health history.

2. Stop eating and drinking

Patients should stop eating solid foods for 8 hours and stop drinking liquids for 4 hours before the endoscopy. This is to ensure that the stomach is empty.

In addition to stopping eating and drinking, patients can also take laxatives to speed up the process of emptying the stomach.

3. Stop taking medication 

Stop taking blood thinners a few days before the endoscopy. This is because these types of drugs can increase the risk of bleeding. In addition, patients should also stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Endoscopy Procedure 

An endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to see inside the body without the need for major surgery.

This procedure uses a tool called an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera and light at the end.

The following is the procedure for performing an endoscopy:

1. Before endoscopy

Before undergoing an endoscopy procedure, patients are usually asked to fast for 6 to 8 hours, especially if the endoscopy is performed on the upper digestive tract, to ensure that the area being examined is clean of food residue.

In addition, patients are also required to inform their doctor about their medical history, allergies, and medications they are taking.

Then, before the endoscopy process begins, the patient will be given local anesthesia to numb the area where the endoscope will enter, such as the throat, or mild sedation to make them more relaxed.

In some cases, general anesthesia may be used, depending on the type of endoscopy and the patient’s condition.

2. During the endoscopic procedure

When the procedure begins, the doctor will use an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera and light source on the end.

The endoscope is gently inserted through the mouth, nose, or a small incision, depending on the area being examined.

The device is then directed at the target organ while displaying real-time images on a monitor.

Not only that, the endoscope can be equipped with tools for biopsy, polyp removal, or other therapeutic actions, according to needs.

During the procedure, the doctor may take tissue samples (biopsy), remove polyps, or perform other interventions if necessary.

Endoscopy is usually short, only 15–60 minutes, depending on the type, complexity, and organs the doctor is examining.

Throughout the procedure, the doctor and medical team will monitor the patient’s vital signs and ensure the patient’s comfort and safety.

A conscious patient will be asked to perform simple actions, such as swallowing, to assist movement of the endoscope.

3. After the procedure

After the endoscopy procedure is complete, the patient will be monitored until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.

Some may experience mild discomfort, such as bloating or a sore throat, which usually goes away within a few hours.

Next, the doctor will provide directions regarding diet, activity, and care after the procedure and schedule a follow-up visit if necessary.

Endoscopic procedures are generally safe in providing diagnostic information, as well as allowing medical intervention without the need for open surgery.

However, like all medical procedures, there are minimal risks that should be discussed with your doctor prior to implementation.

4. After the endoscopic procedure

Once completed, patients must rest for a few hours until the effects of the anesthetic wear off. They are not allowed to drive or do any activities for 24 hours after the procedure.

In addition, patients must do these things:

• Watch for signs of a change in condition, such as bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding diet and drinking after endoscopy. Because, there is a possibility that the stomach is still sensitive.
• If your doctor prescribes it, take the medication as directed.
• Tell your doctor if there are any complications or abnormal symptoms after the procedure.
• If there is a wound in the endoscope area, follow the doctor’s wound care instructions.
• Follow the schedule for follow-up consultations with your doctor to evaluate the endoscopy results and health conditions after the procedure.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience further problems.

Although they may look the same, gastroscopy and endoscopy are two different types of procedures.

Endoscopy Side Effects

Endoscopy is a safe procedure. However, there are some risks of side effects that may occur in patients. Some examples are:

• Bleeding.
• Fever.
• Infection.
• Torn organs.
• Painful.
• Swelling and redness.

Immediately discuss with your doctor if you experience:

• Difficulty swallowing.
• A cough that doesn’t get better.
• Vomiting blood.
• Black stool.
• Pain in the throat, chest and stomach.
• Difficulty breathing.