OVERVIEW

An endoscopy is defined as a medical procedure where the doctor inserts a long thin flexible tube along with a camera and light into the body, in order to visualize the inner organs of the body. This procedure is carried out by placing the tube through the mouth, into the esophagus, and later into the stomach and a portion of the duodenum in order to visualize the abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.

WHAT ARE THE INDICATIONS FOR AN ENDOSCOPY PROCEDURE?

The indications for an endoscopy procedure are:

  • Symptoms : it is usually indicated in conditions where the patient complains of pain in the stomach, difficulty in swallowing, unexplained weight loss, bloody vomit, regurgitation of food, burning sensation in the chest, nausea and vomiting, etc.
  • Diagnosis : endoscopy can be used as a diagnostic tool to diagnose conditions such as gastrointestinal ulcers (gastric or duodenal ulcers), inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, polyps, identifying the cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, diagnosing cancer in the upper GI tract, biopsy of abnormal tissue growth inside the upper GI tract, passing black color tarry stools, etc.
  • Treatment : endoscopy can be used as conservative treatment in treating various conditions such as clipping off or cauterizing the upper GI bleeding vessels, removal of small polyps in the GI tract, removal of foreign objects from the upper GI tract, dilatation of the strictures in the esophagus, feeding tube placement, mucosal or submucosal tissue resection, decompression of acute or subacute colonic dilatation, and can also be used to perform weight-loss procedures (endoscopic bariatric surgery).

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF ENDOSCOPY PROCEDURE

The contraindications of endoscopy procedure include:

  • Acute perforation (tear)of the upper GI tract
  • Shock
  • Fulminant colitis
  • Acute myocardial infarction
  • Peritonitis
  • Patients who are not willing to undergo the procedure.

TYPES OF ENDOSCOPIES

There are various types of endoscopies available, they include:

  • Thoracoscopy
  • Anoscopy
  • Ureteroscopy
  • Laparoscopy
  • Colposcopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Arthroscopy
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Gastroscopy
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Proctoscopy
  • Neuroendoscopy
  • Esophagoscopy
  • Mediastinoscopy
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Enteroscopy
  • Upper GI endoscopy, also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

STEPS FOR THE ENDOSCOPY PROCEDURE

The endoscopy procedure involves several steps, including:

1. Before the Procedure

Before the procedure, the doctor will give you certain instructions, which include:

  • If you experience any abnormal symptoms such as upper GI bleeding or bile duct obstructions, consult your doctor immediately. The doctor will examine you and may advise you to undergo laboratory investigations to confirm your condition. If necessary, the doctor will suggest that you undergo the upper GI endoscopy procedure.
  • The doctor will ask you to stop taking certain medications such as blood thinners or anticoagulants.
  • The doctor will counsel you and your caregiver about the procedure and its associated risks. You will be asked to sign a consent form.
  • You must have an empty stomach before the procedure. Therefore, you are advised not to eat or drink anything for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
2. During the Procedure
  • The endoscopy procedure is done on an outpatient basis. You will need someone to accompany you since you may not be able to drive home alone. You will be taken to the procedure room and asked to lie down on the procedure table on your back or on one side.
  • The procedure is carried out under sedation or general anesthesia.
  • The doctor will use a thin flexible tube with a light and camera, which is connected to a monitor. The doctor will pass the tube through your mouth, into your esophagus, through your stomach, and into the initial segment of your duodenum. The doctor will look for any abnormalities throughout your upper GI tract.
  • If there are any polyps or upper GI bleeding, the doctor will perform the necessary treatment.
  • Your vitals will be closely monitored throughout the entire procedure.
3. After the Procedure:
  • After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room, where your vitals will be closely monitored.
  • You may experience nausea, vomiting, or throat discomfort due to the endoscopy tube.
  • You will be advised to stay nil-per-oral for around 2-3 hours after the procedure.
  • If it is a simple procedure, and you are hemodynamically stable, you can be discharged and go home on the same day. However, if you require conservative treatment or a bariatric procedure, you will be advised to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days for further care.
  • You will be advised to have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor after getting discharged.

COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ENDOSCOPY

The complications that are associated with endoscopy include:

  • Perforation (damage) to the internal organs during the procedure
  • Infection
  • Internal bleeding
  • Side effects associated with anesthesia
  • Pancreatitis (infection of the pancreas)
  • Sore throat
  • Severe or persistent pain in the abdomen
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Bloating of abdomen

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the endoscopy procedure painful?

No, the endoscopy procedure is usually not painful. The patient might experience mild uneasiness in the throat due to the scope placed in the esophagus during the procedure.

What is the duration of the endoscopy procedure?

The endoscopy procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis. However, the procedure may take a little longer if it is part of a conservative treatment plan or a weight loss procedure.

How much does the endoscopy procedure cost?

The cost of the endoscopy procedure varies depending on the type of procedure performed. It usually costs between Rs 5000 to Rs 15,000. However, the procedure may be more expensive for conservative treatment plans or weight loss procedures.

How long does it take for the patient to recover from the endoscopic procedure?

The endoscopic procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis. Patients can usually return to their normal activities the next day. However, patients may experience mild throat discomfort or nausea due to the endoscope tube.

What types of anesthesia are used during the endoscopic procedure?

The endoscopy procedure is usually performed without anesthesia. However, in cases where the patient does not cooperate with the procedure, the anesthetist may induce general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

What diseases can be diagnosed through the endoscopy procedure?

The endoscopy procedure can diagnose a range of diseases, including upper GI polyps, GERD, FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis), upper gastrointestinal cancers, bile duct problems, upper GI bleeding caused by peptic or duodenal ulcers, and Barrett's esophagus - a condition in which the esophagus is damaged due to acid reflux.

What advances have been made in the field of endoscopy?

The following advanced technologies are currently used in endoscopy:

  • Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
  • Chromoendoscopy
  • Capsule endoscopy
  • Narrow band imaging
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Endoscopic ultrasound.

Top Surgeons for Endoscopy

Top Hospitals for Endoscopy

FAQ's Related to Endoscopy

A.
Endoscopy may be recommeded to closely look at the upper digestive system organs like Oesophagus and stomach in order to examine, diagnose and treat diseases that are related to these organs.

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Endoscopy may be performed under mild sedation or local anesthesia. A long flexible tube is inserted into the oral cavity to reach the organ that is indicated for visual examination.

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Endoscopy can cause discomfort but is not usually painful. Medication can be prescribed prior to the procedure to help with anxiety and discomfort.

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Conditions like GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Peptic ulcer disease, Polyps, Abdominal pain, IBD or Inflammatory bowel disease are diagnosed.

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Bronchoscopy to look your airways, Colonoscopy to examine intestines, Cystoscopy for bladder diseases, and Laryngoscopy for examining larynx are some commonly performed endoscopies.

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Some common risks and complications may include, vomitings, beeding and organ perforation, hoarseness of voice, and difficulty to swallow food.

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Mild to moderate sedation is common for an endoscopy procedure.

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If the discomfort does not improve after 24 hours, you can get another examination to establish the severity of the complication and plan further treatment.

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Endoscopy has higher risks when performed in children and should hence be done by specialised paediatric gastroenterologists.

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Stomach cancer is usually detected in upper endoscopy.

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While diagnostic endoscopy is performed to examine the inner lining of upper GI tract, therapeutic endoscopy is done to treat issues which often includes removal of polyps.