Definition
An endoscope is a medical device consisting of a camera mounted on a flexible tube. Small instruments can be used to take samples of suspicious tissues through the endoscope.
In gastrointestinal (digestive tract) endoscopy, this device is inserted through the mouth or anus. For other areas, small incisions are made.
An ultrasound probe can be added to a gastrointestinal endoscope. This is called an endoscopic ultrasound. Depending on the area of interest, this device can also be passed through the mouth or anus.
Why the Endoscopy is Performed
An endoscopy may be performed for a variety of signs and symptoms, including bleeding, pain, difficulty swallowing, and a change in bowel habits. Exams of the colon may also be performed to screen for colon polyps and colon cancer. An endoscopic ultrasound of the digestive tract may be used to give different information about an organ than what a standard endoscopy can provide.
How the Endoscopy is Performed
There are many types of endoscope, and they are named according to the organs or areas they explore. Endoscopes used to look directly at the ovaries, appendix, or other abdominal organs, for example, are called laparoscopes (and the exam is a laparoscopy).
Other endoscopes are inserted through incisions to look at joints (arthroscopy) or the lungs (bronchoscopy), and still others are used to view the inside of the bladder (cystoscopy).
Please see the following tests or procedures for more information on how the test will feel, the risks, why the test is performed, and normal and abnormal results:
How to Prepare for the Endoscopy
You may be asked not to eat or drink before some types of endoscopy, such as an examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Before an examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract, you may also be asked to clear the colon of stool, using enemas or laxatives.
Ask your health care provider about any special preparation before your endoscopy.
How the Endoscopy Will Feel
During an endoscopy, the patient is sedated (given a drug to help them relax and possibly sleep). With the right sedation, the patient should experience little if any discomfort.
In an endoscopic ultrasound of the rectum, sedation is not usually administered. The probe will create a sensation of the need to move the bowels (pass stool), but should not cause any pain.
Risks
The major risks are pain, bleeding, or infection. For gastrointestinal endoscopy, there is also a risk of perforation (tearing) of the intestinal wall.
Reactions to the anesthesia can occur (though they are rare). For this reason your breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure.
Considerations
Endoscopies also can be used to perform treatment procedures. For example, bleeding from lesions can be stopped, and colon polyps can be removed.
During endoscopic ultrasound, a needle may be inserted into the area of interest, in order to take a sample of cells. This is called fine needle aspiration.
Normal Results
The examination should reveal normal function and appearance of the area being examined. For example, with gastrointestinal endoscopy, the lining of the gastrointestinal tract should be smooth, with no unusual growths or lesions.
What Abnormal Results Mean
A wide variety of abnormal findings may occur, and the physician will review them following the exam.
