ENDOSCOPY
Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical procedure where a tube-like instrument fitted with a camera is inserted in one’s body.
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The Upper Endoscopy or Gastrointestinal endoscopy, also simply known as Endoscopy is when an endoscope is passed through the mouth and throat and into the food pipe to take a look into and help treat ailments that affect the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum).
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A Colonoscopy is a visual examination of the full large intestine, also known as the colon. The endoscope is inserted through the anus and passed into the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Depending on the extent of the colon examination, it is either called Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy. Colonoscopy procedure enables the doctor to understand the causes for abdominal pain or rectal bleeding or other intestinal problems by visually detecting the ulcers, the inflamed mucous lining of the intestine, abnormal growths and bleeding in the colon, or large bowel. A colonoscopy is also the most common method to detect colon cancer.
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Enteroscopy is used mainly to view your small bowel.
WHY ENDOSCOPY? WHY COLONOSCOPY?
Endoscopy and Colonoscopy are procedures that help a doctor understand and evaluate the cause for
Heart
burns
Nausea and vomiting
Difficulty in swallowing
Upper Abdominal or Stomach pain
Changes in bowel habits
Why do I need endoscopy? Why does a doctor recommend an endoscopy procedure?
The three main reasons for an endoscopy and colonoscopy are:
To understand the symptoms for:
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Heartburns
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Upper Abdominal or Stomach pain
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Nausea and vomiting
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Difficulty in swallowing
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Gastrointestinal bleeding
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To treat conditions like
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Widening of a narrow esophagus
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Cutting away a polyp or removing a foreign object
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To diagnose further
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Conditions like rectal bleeding, inflammation, diarrhea, anemia
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Cancers of the digestive system
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By collecting tissue samples (biopsy)
How Do I Prepare for Endoscopy or Colonoscopy?
Gut preparation or bowel cleansing is most essential before an Endoscope or Colonoscope. Since the gut must be free of food and the colon free of stool doctors mostly recommend not eating solid foods 24 hours in advance of the procedure and complete fasting 6-8 hours prior to the same. Sometimes laxatives are recommended to clean the digestive tract. Patients are mostly sedated during an examination with an endoscope. This increases the comfort of the individual undergoing the examination. The above recommendations are general guidelines.
We request that you strictly follow the doctors’ instructions for your specific procedure.
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MUMBAI PILES CLINIC has experts in Endoscopy and Colonoscopy. Please call to book an appointment with us.