An endoscopy is usually done when visualization of internal organs is necessary to make a diagnosis.
Typically, an endoscopy allows a diagnosis to be made with less risk than surgery.
Endoscopy may also be used to gain access to internal organs for treatment.
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Endoscopy is typically considered a “minimally invasive” procedure.
Before endoscopic procedures existed, surgery was often necessary to jump into the inside of the body.
Endoscopic procedures can also be done without the general anesthesia often necessary for surgery and may carry less risk.
What Is an Endoscopy?
An endoscope is a flexible tube with a lighted camera attached.
The camera allows internal body structures to be visualized on a monitor.
During endoscopy, an endoscope is usually inserted down through the mouth or up through the anus and rectum.
Some endoscopes have specialized ends that allow tissue samples to be removed or treatment to be administered.
Your healthcare provider will let you know what to expect with your specific procedure.
Anesthesia
Endoscopy is most often performed under sedation fromIV medications.People often sleep during the procedure.
Typically the sleep is relatively light, and most people awaken shortly after the procedure is done.
This bang out of sedation has sometimes been called “twilight sleep.”
With some procedures, general anesthesia may also be given.
If you are given sedation for your procedure, you will need another adult to drive you home afterward.
For endoscopy of the colon (colonoscopy), a laxative to clean the bowels will also be used.
The small camera on the endoscope allows the healthcare team to see tiny body structures on a big screen.
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