Endoscopy

Endoscopy describes many procedures that look inside the body using some type of endoscope, a flexible tube with a small TV camera and a light on one end and an eyepiece on the other. The endoscope allows doctors to examine the inside of certain tubelike structures in the body. Some endoscopes can transmit the doctor's view to a video screen. Most endoscopes also have attachments that permit doctors to take samples of fluids or tissues for laboratory testing.

There are several types of endoscopy. Each allows the doctor to check inside a different part of the body. Upper endoscopy allows the doctor to see inside the esophagus, stomach, and top portions of the small intestine. Bronchoscopy examines the large airways inside the lungs (bronchi). Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy examine different parts of the lower digestive tract. Each type of endoscopy uses a slightly different endoscope with a different name — an upper endoscope for upper endoscopy, a bronchoscope for bronchoscopy, a sigmoidoscope for sigmoidoscopy, or a colonoscope for colonoscopy. Other endoscopes allow doctors to see inside the abdomen or joints through small incisions.

The amount of pain or discomfort you feel depends on the area of the body being examined. For example, sigmoidoscopy (examination of the rectum and lower colon) usually requires no pain medication, while bronchoscopy, colonoscopy, and upper endoscopy usually require a sedative.

Endoscopy procedures vary in length: 10 to 15 minutes for sigmoidoscopy, 20 to 30 minutes for upper endoscopy, about 30 minutes for bronchoscopy, and 30 to 45 minutes for colonoscopy.

What It's Used For

Endoscopy is a common procedure used for many reasons, including:

• Cancer prevention — Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy allow doctors to find and remove polyps before they become colon cancers.
• Diagnostic evaluation of a symptom such as abdominal pain or rectal bleeding — Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy allow doctors to see organs directly. Pictures of any abnormalities can be taken. The doctor can take a sample of tissue (biopsy) through the endoscope during the procedure.
• biopsy of an abnormal finding on chest X-ray — During bronchoscopy, the doctor can take samples of secretions and bronchial and lung tissue so the samples can be examined in a laboratory.
• Removal of a foreign body from the upper lung airways or gastrointestinal tract

Preparation

The amount of preparation needed for endoscopy depends on what part of the body is being examined. For an upper endoscopy, you will be instructed not to eat or drink for six to eight hours before the test. For sigmoidoscopy, you will do an enema before the test. For a colonoscopy, you will need to clear your bowels completely of stool before the procedure. To do this, you will need to modify your diet and will be given laxatives to use the day before the procedure. In some cases, you may be asked to use an enema the day of the procedure. Before bronchoscopy you will need to follow restrictions on eating and drinking, and take special precautions regarding your mouth and teeth. Your doctor will give you specific details.