Endoscopy

What is it?

Endoscopy itself is a broad term used to described examining the inside of the body using an lighted, flexible instrument called an endoscope. In general, an endoscope is introduced into the body through a natural opening such as the mouth in the case of upper endoscopy.

A common type of endoscopy is upper endoscopy, also called esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). In this procedure, a thin flexible instrument is advanced through the mouth to evaluate or treat problems of the esophagus, stomach, and beginning part of the small intestine.

How do we use it?

Endoscopy is often the best way to evaluate the inside of the gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract. While general anesthesia is required during endoscopy, this diagnostic procedure is much less invasive than traditional surgery. The benefits of endoscopy may include shortened anesthetic time, less physiologic stress and discomfort, quicker recovery time, and fewer serious complications.

A variety of scopes are kept on hand. In addition to the GI scope, we also have scopes for bronchoscopy and rhinoscopy.