Endoscopy
Endoscopic Procedures in Bangalore
Endoscopy uses a thin, flexible camera passed through the body's natural openings to look directly at the inside of the digestive tract, without any external incision. It is used both to investigate symptoms and, in many cases, to treat a condition directly through the endoscope.
Looking for surgical options instead? See Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Type
Diagnostic Endoscopy
A thin, flexible camera is passed through a natural opening to examine the lining of the digestive tract directly, and is used to investigate symptoms or look for a specific condition, without any external incision.
- Upper GI endoscopy (gastroscopy): examines the food pipe, stomach and the first part of the small intestine.
- Colonoscopy: examines the full length of the colon and rectum, and can screen for polyps or early colorectal cancer.
- Sigmoidoscopy: examines the lower colon and rectum for a more limited or targeted assessment.
Type
Therapeutic Endoscopy
Many conditions found on endoscopy can be treated directly through the endoscope, in the same sitting, often without the need for surgery.
- Polypectomy: removal of polyps found during colonoscopy, an important step in preventing colorectal cancer.
- Control of gastrointestinal bleeding: identifying and treating a bleeding point directly through the endoscope.
- Stricture dilation & stent placement: widening or bypassing a narrowed segment of the digestive tract.
- Foreign body removal: retrieving an accidentally swallowed object.
Type
ERCP & Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
More specialised endoscopic procedures for conditions of the bile duct, pancreas and surrounding structures, often avoiding the need for open surgery.
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): diagnoses and treats conditions of the bile duct and pancreatic duct, including gallstones that have moved into the bile duct.
- EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound): combines endoscopy with ultrasound imaging for a detailed look at the pancreas, bile duct and nearby structures, and can guide precise biopsies.
Suitability
Is endoscopy right for everyone?
Whether endoscopy is suitable, and which type, depends on your symptoms and clinical history. The right approach, and whether it can treat a condition directly or is diagnostic only, is decided after assessment, with safety and complete information as the priority.
Frequently asked questions
Is endoscopy painful?
Most endoscopic procedures are done with sedation or a local anaesthetic spray and are generally well tolerated. Your doctor will discuss the options suitable for your procedure beforehand.
How long does an endoscopy take?
Most diagnostic endoscopies themselves are relatively quick, though you should expect to spend longer at the facility overall for preparation and recovery from sedation.
Do I need to prepare beforehand?
Yes. Some procedures (particularly colonoscopy) require bowel preparation beforehand, and fasting is usually needed before the procedure. Specific instructions are given in advance.
Is endoscopy the same as surgery?
No. Endoscopy is performed through the body's natural openings, without any external incision. Some conditions found on endoscopy can be treated directly through the endoscope; others may still need surgery.
Have questions about an endoscopic procedure?
Contact the clinic for a clear, unhurried conversation about whether endoscopy is suitable for your situation.