Endoscopy is a treatment that allows doctors to view the inside of your body using a special instrument called an endoscope. This tool is a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera at the end, providing a live video feed of your internal organs. Endoscopies are relatively simple and can help identify, monitor, and treat various health conditions. Let’s explore the different types of endoscopies and their purposes.

Types of Endoscopies

      1. Upper Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy – EGD)

• • Purpose: To check the stomach, the mouth, and first segment of the small intestine.

1. • Used For: Diagnosing causes of stomach pain, ulcers, gastritis, swallowing problems, and digestive tract bleeding.

      2. Colonoscopy

• • Purpose: To inspect the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

1. • Used For: Detecting colon cancer, polyps, inflamed tissues, and ulcers. It’s commonly recommended for adults over 50 for routine cancer screening.

      3. Sigmoidoscopy

• • Purpose: To view the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) and rectum.

1. • Used For: Screening for colon cancer, investigating bowel issues like diarrhea or abdominal pain, and checking for polyps.

      4. Bronchoscopy

• • Purpose: To examine the airways and lungs.

1. • Used For: Diagnosing lung diseases, infections, tumors, and blockages. It can also help in removing foreign objects from the airways.

       5. Cystoscopy

• • Purpose: To inspect the bladder and urethra.

1. • Used For: Diagnosing bladder problems, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and investigating causes of blood in the urine.

       6. Laparoscopy

• • Purpose: To view the organs inside the abdomen.

1. • Used For: Diagnosing and treating conditions related to the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and reproductive organs. It is often used in gynecological procedures.

       7. Hysteroscopy

• • Purpose: To examine the inside of the uterus.

1. • Used For: Investigating abnormal bleeding, locating intrauterine devices (IUDs), and diagnosing conditions like fibroids or polyps.

        8. Arthroscopy

• • Purpose: To look inside a joint, such as the knee, shoulder, or hip.

1. • Used For: Diagnosing joint problems like arthritis, torn cartilage, and ligament injuries. It is also used to perform minor surgical procedures.

How to Prepare for an Endoscopy

Preparation for an endoscopy depends on the type being performed. Common steps include fasting for several hours before the procedure, avoiding certain medications, and sometimes undergoing a bowel prep to clear the intestines. Your doctor will provide specific instructions based on your individual needs.

What to Expect During and After an Endoscopy

You can return home the same day after an endoscopy because they are typically outpatient procedures. To guarantee comfort, sedation or medication may be applied. You’ll probably feel a little cloudy after the surgery, so you’ll need someone to drive you home. minor side effects including bloating, minor pain, or headaches are possible, but they usually go away fast.

Conclusion

Endoscopies are essential tools in modern medicine because they enable simple diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of problems. You’ll feel more educated and ready if you or a loved one ever needs an endoscopy if you are aware of the many kinds and their uses.

If you’re looking for a reliable place to get an endoscopy or other medical services, consider Dr. Mulay Hospital in Hadapsar, Pune. They have a team of experienced specialists, including a well-known  urologist in Hadapsar, to provide complete care for all your health needs.