Endoscopy

What is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows for the examination of the inside of the body using specialized tools called endoscopes. These are thin, flexible tubes equipped with a camera and a light source, enabling the doctor to visualize tissues and organs in real time. Endoscopic examinations are used to diagnose diseases of the digestive tract, respiratory system, and other areas of the body where traditional imaging methods may be insufficient.

Endoscopy also allows for procedures such as removing polyps, taking tissue samples for histopathological examination, or stopping bleeding.

Types of Endoscopy

Depending on the area to be examined and the specifics of the procedure, there are several types of endoscopy. Each of these types has unique applications and benefits, allowing for effective diagnosis and treatment of patients:

·      Gastroscopy, or endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract, allows for the assessment of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

·      Colonoscopy, or endoscopic examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract, aimed at evaluating the colon.

·      Bronchoscopy is an endoscopy of the respiratory tract, allowing for the assessment of the trachea and bronchi. It is used in the diagnosis of lung diseases such as cancers, inflammations, or foreign bodies.

·      Cystoscopy is an examination of the urinary system, enabling the evaluation of the bladder and urethra.

·      Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that allows for the examination of the abdominal cavity through small incisions. It is used to diagnose and treat diseases of internal organs such as appendicitis or ovarian cysts.

·      Arthroscopy is an endoscopy of the joints, enabling the assessment of the inside of the joints and performing minor procedures such as removing damaged cartilage fragments.

Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is an innovative examination where the patient swallows a small capsule containing a miniature camera. The capsule moves through the digestive tract, recording images that are later analyzed. This examination is particularly useful in diagnosing diseases of the small intestine.

Laryngoscopic Endoscopy

Laryngoscopic endoscopy is a procedure that allows for the assessment of the larynx and throat. During the examination, the doctor inserts an endoscope through the mouth or nose, enabling a detailed evaluation of the tissues and diagnosing conditions such as polyps, cancers, or inflammations.

When is Endoscopic Examination Performed?

An endoscopic examination is performed in various clinical situations requiring a thorough assessment of the inside of the body. Here are the key indications for performing endoscopy:

·      Digestive system issues: in cases of suspected diseases such as stomach and duodenal ulcers, celiac disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or chronic abdominal pain. Additionally, symptoms such as black, tarry stools or bloody vomiting indicate the need for an examination.

·      Cancer diagnostics: enabling tissue sample collection for histopathological examination, helping determine the nature of tissue changes, such as malignant tumors.

·      Respiratory system diseases: indications include shortness of breath, chronic cough, sinus problems, or suspected polyps in the larynx. This examination allows for the assessment of the respiratory tract and the identification of abnormalities.

·      Urogenital system diseases: in the diagnosis of bladder, urethra, and other urinary system issues, particularly when there is suspicion of cancers, polyps, or stones.

·      Observation and monitoring: for monitoring the condition of patients with previously diagnosed diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, and assessing the effectiveness of treatment.

The decision to perform an endoscopic examination is made by the doctor based on the patient's symptoms and the results of other diagnostic tests.

Endoscopy vs. Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy

Endoscopy is a general term encompassing various diagnostic procedures, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy, which differ in the area of examination.

Gastroscopy is a specific type of endoscopy focusing on the upper gastrointestinal tract. During this examination, the endoscope is inserted through the mouth and throat into the stomach and duodenum. Gastroscopy allows for the assessment of the mucosa of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Colonoscopy is another type of endoscopy that examines the lower gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon. This procedure involves inserting an endoscope through the rectum into the colon, allowing for the assessment of the intestinal mucosa and detecting pathological changes such as polyps or cancers.