A weekly column prepared by Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital Inc.
Endoscopy
By Dr Ajay Gupta, MS (General & Laparoscopic Surgeon)
Endoscopy is a diagnostic medical procedure that is used to assess the interior surfaces of an organ by inserting a tube into the body. The instrument usually has a flexible ‘telescope’ to provide an image of the foodpipe , the stomach and the bowels. The commonly used types of endoscopy in digestive system are:
1. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
2. Colonoscopy
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy enables the physician to look inside the foodpipe, stomach, and the upper intestines.
Indications
Diagnostic
Unexplained anaemia (usually along with a colonoscopy) Upper gastrointestinal bleeding as evidenced by vomiting blood or passing black stools. Persistent upper abdominal pain with indigestion in patients over the age of 40-45 years.
Heartburn and chronic acid reflux – this can lead to a precancerous lesion.
Persistent vomiting
Difficulty in swallowing
Painful swallowing
Biopsy of lesion found on other investigations like x-ray, CT scan.
Retrieval of foreign bodies that have been swallowed
Dilating or putting a stent in the foodpipe