Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to observe the inside of the body without performing major surgery. An endoscope (fibrescope) is a long flexible tube with a lens at one end and a video camera at the other.

The end with the lens is inserted into the patient. Light passes down the tube (via bundles of optical fibres) to illuminate the relevant area, and the video camera magnifies the area and projects it onto a television screen so the doctor can see what is there. Usually, an endoscope is inserted through one of the body’s natural openings, such as the mouth, urethra, or anus.

Specially designed endoscopes are used to perform simple surgical procedures, such as:

• Locating, sampling or removing tumours from the lungs and digestive tract.
• Locating and removing foreign objects from the lungs and digestive tract.
• Taking small samples of tissue for diagnostic purposes (biopsy).
• Removing stones from the bile duct.
• Placing tubes (stents) through blockages in the bile duct, oesophagus, duodenum, or colon.

A range of endoscopes

Endoscopes have been developed for many parts of the body. Each has its own name, depending on the part of the body it is intended to investigate, such as:

• Bronchoscope – inserted down the trachea (windpipe) to examine the lung.
• Colonoscope – inserted through the anus to examine the colon (bowel).
• Gastroscope – inserted down the oesophagus to examine the stomach.
• Duodenoscope – inserted through the stomach into the duodenum to inspect and perform procedures on the bile duct and /or pancreatic duct, called ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatogram).
• Hysteroscope – inserted through the cervix to examine the uterus.
• Cystoscope and ureteroscope - inserted via the urethra to inspect the urinary bladder and ureters.

Medical issues to consider

Depending on the condition under investigation, some endoscopies can be carried out in the doctor’s surgery. Others need a trip to hospital or day surgery facility, and may require a general anaesthetic.

Endoscopies are generally painless, although they may still cause some discomfort. Compared with the stress experienced by the body in a full surgical procedure, an endoscopy is simple, low risk, and cost effective. Other advantages include:

• No scar – as a natural body opening is used.
• Quick recovery time.
• Less time in hospital. Often, no time in hospital is required as the procedure is performed in the doctor’s rooms.

Prior to the endoscopy, your doctor will talk to you about your medical history including allergies and current medications. These factors can have a bearing on the operation.