Endoscopy is a medical procedure that involves the use of a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end to examine the inside of the body. Endoscopies are typically performed to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive tract, respiratory system, and other parts of the body.
There are several different types of endoscopy, each with its own unique features and benefits. Below are the different types of endoscopy and their specific uses.
Upper Endoscopy
Upper endoscopy, also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a procedure that involves the insertion of an endoscope into the mouth and down the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine.
This type of endoscopy is used to diagnose and treat conditions such as acid reflux, ulcers, and tumors in the upper digestive tract. During an upper endoscopy, the doctor can also take biopsies, or small tissue samples, to test for cancer or other conditions.
The procedure is typically performed under sedation and takes around 30 minutes to complete.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a procedure that involves the insertion of an endoscope into the rectum and up into the colon to examine the large intestine. This type of endoscopy is primarily used to screen for colon cancer and to diagnose and treat conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal polyps.
During a colonoscopy, the doctor can remove any polyps found in the colon, which can help reduce the risk of colon cancer. The procedure is typically performed under sedation and takes around 30-60 minutes to complete.
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves the insertion of an endoscope through the nose or mouth and down the throat and into the lungs. This type of endoscopy is used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the respiratory system, such as lung cancer, infections, and inflammation.
During a bronchoscopy, the doctor can take biopsies of the lung tissue or remove any foreign objects, such as food or mucus, from the airways. The procedure is typically performed under sedation and takes around 30-60 minutes to complete.
Enteroscopy
Enteroscopy is a procedure that involves the insertion of an endoscope into the small intestine to examine the digestive tract beyond the reach of traditional upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. This type of endoscopy is used to diagnose and treat conditions such as bleeding, inflammation, and tumors in the small intestine.
During an enteroscopy, the doctor can take biopsies of the intestinal tissue or remove any polyps or abnormal growths found in the small intestine. The procedure is typically performed under sedation and takes around 30-60 minutes to complete.
Endoscopic Ultrasound
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a procedure that involves the insertion of an endoscope into the digestive tract and the use of ultrasound technology to create images of the surrounding organs and tissues. This type of endoscopy is used to diagnose and treat conditions such as pancreatic cancer, gallbladder disease, and gastrointestinal tumors.
During an EUS, the doctor can take biopsies of the tissue or use fine-needle aspiration to remove fluid or tissue for further testing. The procedure is typically performed under sedation and takes around 30-60 minutes to complete.
Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that involves swallowing a small, pill-sized capsule that contains a camera to capture images of the digestive tract as it passes through the body. This type of endoscopy is used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the small intestine, such as bleeding, inflammation, and tumors.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that involves the insertion of an endoscope into the mouth and down the digestive tract to examine the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts. This type of endoscopy is used to diagnose and treat conditions such as gallstones, pancreatitis, and bile duct cancer.
During an ERCP, the doctor can inject dye into the ducts to make them visible on X-ray images and can use special tools to remove blockages or perform biopsies. The procedure is typically performed under sedation and takes around 60-90 minutes to complete.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that involves the insertion of an endoscope into the rectum and lower part of the colon to examine the sigmoid colon. This type of endoscopy is used to diagnose and treat conditions such as colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, and diverticulitis.
During a flexible sigmoidoscopy, the doctor can remove any polyps or abnormal growths found in the colon and can take biopsies for testing. The procedure is typically performed without sedation and takes around 20-30 minutes to complete.