Anendoscopy is a procedure used inmedicine to look inside the body.[1] The endoscopy procedure uses anendoscope to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body. Unlike many othermedical imaging techniques, endoscopes are inserted directly into the organ.
There are many types of endoscopies. Depending on the site in the body and type of procedure, an endoscopy may be performed by a doctor or asurgeon. During the procedure, a patient may be fully conscious oranaesthetised. Most often, the termendoscopy is used to refer to an examination of the upper part of thegastrointestinal tract, known as anesophagogastroduodenoscopy.[2]
Similar instruments are calledborescopes for nonmedical use.
Adolf Kussmaul was fascinated bysword swallowers who would insert a sword down their throat without gagging. This drew inspiration to insert a hollow tube for observation; the next problem to solve was how to shine light through the tube, as they were still relying on candles and oil lamps as light sources.[3]
The termendoscope was first used on February 7, 1855, by engineer-optician Charles Chevalier, about theuréthroscope ofDésormeaux, who himself began using the former term a month later.[4] The self-illuminated endoscope was developed atGlasgow Royal Infirmary inScotland (one of the first hospitals to have mains electricity) in 1894/1895 byJohn Macintyre as part of his specialization in the investigation of the larynx.[5][failed verification]
Specialtyprofessional organizations that specialize in digestive problems advise that many patients withBarrett's esophagus receive endoscopies too frequently.[7] Such societies recommend that patients with Barrett's esophagus and no cancer symptoms after two biopsies receive biopsies as indicated and no more often than the recommended rate.[8][9]
An endoscopy is a simple procedure that allows a doctor to look inside a human body using an instrument called an endoscope. A cutting tool can be attached to the end of the endoscope and the apparatus can then be used to perform minor procedures such as tissue biopsies, banding of oesophageal varices, or removal of polyps.
The main risks are infection, over-sedation, perforation, or a tear of the stomach or esophagus lining and bleeding.[10] Although perforation generally requires surgery, certain cases may be treated with antibiotics and intravenous fluids. Bleeding may occur at the site of a biopsy or polyp removal. Such typically minor bleeding may simply stop on its own or be controlled by cauterisation. Surgery may became necessary. Perforation and bleeding are rare during gastroscopy. Other minor risks include drug reactions and complications related to other diseases the patient may have. Consequently, patients should inform their doctor of all allergic tendencies and medical problems. Occasionally, the site of thesedative injection may become inflamed and tender for a short time. This is usually not serious, and warm compresses for a few days are usually helpful. While any of these complications may occur, each of them occurs infrequently. A doctor can discuss risks with the patient about the particular need for gastroscopy.
After the procedure, the patient will be observed and monitored by a qualified individual in the endoscopy room or a recovery area until a significant portion of the medication has worn off. Occasionally, the patient is left with a mild sore throat, which may respond to saline gargles or chamomile tea. It may last for weeks or not happen at all. The patient may have a feeling of distention from the insufflated air that was used during the procedure. Both problems are mild and fleeting. When fully recovered, the patient will be instructed when to resume their usual diet (probably within a few hours) and will be allowed to be taken home. Where sedation has been used, most facilities mandate that the patient be taken home by another person and that they not drive or handle machinery for the remainder of the day. Patients who have had an endoscopy without sedation can leave unassisted.
