Your doctor may recommend getting an endoscopy to help investigate a potential health problem or treat certain medical conditions.
An endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure that uses an endoscope – a tube with a light and camera attached to the end – to examine or view internal parts of the body. Some endoscopes have spaces where doctors can insert surgical instruments that can remove tissue samples (biopsies) for lab testing or help them perform surgery during endoscopy.
There are different types of endoscopy, each used for specific parts of the body, including:
- Colonoscopy -the scope is inserted through the anus to examine the colon
- Anoscopy – the scope is inserted through the anus to examine the anus and the rectum
- Upper endoscopy-the scope is passed through the mouth and into the esophagus, allowing your healthcare provider to examine your upper digestive system, including the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine
- Bronchoscopy- the scope is put through the nose or mouth and into the airways to look inside the lungs
- Laparoscopy- the scope is inserted through small incisions of the abdominal wall to look inside the abdomen and pelvis
- Laryngoscopy- the scope is inserted through the nose or mouth to examine the larynx, or structures such as the back of the throat.
Doctors may perform an endoscopy to screen for and diagnose the following health conditions:
- Colon cancer
- Urinary tract infections
- Endometriosis
- Lung disease
- Ulcers
- Laryngitis
- Kidney stones
- GERD
An endoscopy is generally safe, but depending on the procedure, you may experience side effects. These side effects typically go away after two days and may include:
- Hoarseness if a scope was inserted down the throat
- Bloating, cramping, or nausea if the intestines were examined
- Minor bleeding after a colonoscopy
You are advised to seek medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, black, bloody, or tarry stools, throat or chest pain after an endoscopy.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.