Endoscopy

Endoscopy

  • Upper GI Endoscopy

Procedure: Upper GI Endoscopy procedure involves introduction of a flexible pipe fitted with a light and camera through the mouth internally. It is useful to visualize the inner part of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. It is also possible to take biopsy from any abnormality that is picked up. The total duration of the procedure may last between 5 to 15 mins depending on the complexity of the procedure undertaken. It is done under sedation and/or local anaesthesia. The patient is usually asked to remain on an empty stomach also known as nil by mouth for 6 hours prior to the procedure for solid intake and 2 hours empty stomach for liquids.

Risks: Like any procedure, the risks include aspiration, throat irritation after procedure. Serious events like bleeding and perforation can occur in t 0.1% of the cases.

 

Uses: It is useful to diagnose patients with long standing problems like acidity, heartburn, gas (bloating), difficulty in swallowing, loose motions, etc. It is also useful to remove tumours or foreign bodies and can be helpful to test for infections in stomach.

 

  • Colonoscopy

Procedure: The colonoscopy procedure involves introduction of a flexible pipe fitted with a light and camera through the anus internally. It is useful to visualize the inner part of the colon and some part of small intestine. It is also possible to take biopsy from any abnormality that is picked up. The total duration of the procedure may last between 15 to 40 mins depending on the complexity of the procedure undertaken. It is done under sedation. The patient is usually asked to remain on an empty stomach and a special liquid formula to empty the bowel will be given beforehand.

Risks: Like any procedure, there are risks. The risks of colonoscopy include aspiration, pain and bloating after procedure. Serious events like bleeding and perforation can occur in 1-2% of the cases.

 

Uses: It is helpful to diagnose diseases of the colon like tumours, ulcers, narrowing, constipation, loose motions, bleeding, tuberculosis, etc. It is also possible to remove some tumours by colonoscopy and take biopsy.

 

  • ERCP: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Procedure: The ERCP: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography procedure involves introduction of a flexible pipe fitted with a light and camera through the mouth internally. It is useful to visualize the inner part of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. It helps to treat diseases of bile duct and pancreas. It is also possible to take biopsy from any abnormality that is picked up. The total duration of the procedure may last between 30 to 60 mins depending on the complexity of the procedure undertaken. It is done under sedation or anaesthesia. The patient is usually asked to remain on an empty stomach for 6 hours prior to the procedure for solid intake and 2 hours empty stomach for liquids.

Risks: Like any procedure, the risks include aspiration, pain and bloating after procedure. Serious events like bleeding and perforation can occur in 1-2% of the cases. Pancreatitis can occur in 5% of the cases.

 

Uses: It is helpful to diagnose diseases like stones in bile duct, pancreatic stones and narrowing and tumours in the bile duct and liver, etc. It is also possible to remove some stones and put in stents and take biopsy.

  • Capsule Endoscopy
  • PEG Tube Insertion