GENERAL SURGERY

ENDOSCOPY

Endoscopy: What is it, What are the Applications and Procedures, Frequently Asked Questions

What is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is the general name of the method of examining the hollow tissues and organs in the human body without making an incision, with a flexible instrument called "endoscope", with a camera and light at the end. In the Department of Gastroenterology, endoscopy is the imaging procedure performed by entering the digestive cavities such as the mouth or anus.

Endoscopy can be used for diagnosis as well as in procedures for taking samples from the body. It can also be used for treatment in some cases. Endoscopy is named in different ways according to the area it is applied to.

In recent years, thanks to technology, endoscopy devices have developed and become thin and flexible to facilitate swallowing and imaging. In this way, this procedure is performed in an extremely comfortable way without the patient feeling any discomfort or pain. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people over the age of 45 should be checked for endoscopy, whether they have a complaint or not.

1.What are the Types of Endoscopy?
Endoscopy is divided into types according to the way and the region where it is performed. These can be listed as follows:
  • Gastroscopy (Upper GI Endoscopy) it is the method used to examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. For this procedure, The camera is moved to the area to be observed by entering through the mouth and imaging is performed. Biopsy can be taken for diagnosis, polyps can be removed, bleeding-stopping endoscopic treatment methods can be applied, dilation or stenting can be performed in cases such as stenosis and adhesions.
  • Colonoscopy (Lower Gastrointestinal System Endoscopy) it is a type of endoscopy in which the entire large intestine and the last part of the small intestine are examined from the rectum. By inserting the endoscopy device through the anus, these organs are visualized. It is recommended to be performed every 5 years for the diagnosis of colon cancer, especially in patients over 50 years of age. If there is colon cancer in the family, this procedure should be repeated more often.
  • Double Balloon Enteroscopy it is an endoscopy method in which the small intestine between the duodenum examined with a gastroscope and the large intestine examined with colonoscopy. It is applied by moving two balloons at the ends of two nested tubes by adhering to the intestinal walls.
  • Capsule Endoscopy it is the process of making a diagnosis by swallowing a small capsule-shaped wireless camera to view the digestive system, with the help of the images transmitted by this camera.
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP) in this method, a small hole called papilla vater is found in the duodenum by entering through the mouth with an endoscopy device called a duodenoscope. Then, the biliary tract and pancreatic duct are reached by means of specialized guide wires, with the help of imaging a device called scopy, which uses X-rays. Diseases such as stones in the bile duct and pancreatic duct, benign and malignant stenosis can be detected.
  • Chromoendoscopy in this method, pathologies can be better visualized thanks to a special dye applied to the intestinal surface.
  • Narrowband Imaging (NBI) It is an endoscopy procedure performed by creating contrast with the help of a special filter in the digestive system mucosa and vessels.
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) It is an advanced technology endoscopic diagnosis and treatment method created by placing a tiny ultrasound probe at the end of the endoscopy device. This method is especially used in the diagnosis of difficult-to-diagnose early pancreatic tumors, biliary tract and tumors of the region called ampulla vater, where the bile duct opens into the intestine.

During the preparation for endoscopy, the stomach should be empty; therefore, it should not be eaten and drunk for up to eight hours before endoscopy.

Before the endoscopy procedure, the gastroenterologist should be informed about all the medications taken. Blood thinners should be left for a few days before the endoscopy procedure, as they can cause bleeding.

The gastroenterology doctor makes necessary referrals for patient with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure.

Endoscopy is a fairly safe method compared to surgical procedures. Like any medical procedure, endoscopy has risks, although they are low.

After the endoscopy, the patient is rested for approximately 1 hour in the hospital. Patients go home the same day after the endoscopy. Since the patient is taking sedatives, it is important to have companion with him/her. While at home, mild bothersome symptoms may be experienced after endoscopy.