| Endoscopy | |||||
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Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a viewing of either the upper or lower gastro-intestinal (GI) tract with an endoscopy.
The endoscope is a long, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end of it.
A gastroenterologist is the specialist doctor who performs both of the two endoscopy procedures:
- upper GI endoscopy - to view the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) the endoscope is swallowed; the patient is given a numbing throat spray and light sedation before the procedure
- lower GI endoscopy - to view the colon (large intestine), the endoscope is inserted into the rectum; the patient is given a laxative and lightly sedated before the procedure
- Endoscopy is used as a tool to definitely diagnose any type of ulcers (gastric, duodenal, peptic)
- Endoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure
- This procedure has a low risk of complications (usually less than 1%)
Endoscopy may be used to determine the reason for any number of physical symptoms:
- abdominal pain
- bleeding
- indigestion
- nausea
- reflux
- swallowing difficulties
- vomiting
Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 21 August 2007
Related Articles
references
- Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites
- Maroondah Hospital, Victoria (Australia)
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
