Endoscopy

What Is Endoscopy?** **How It Is Done, Risks, and Process

Endoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to examine the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It is performed with a flexible tube with a camera at the tip (an endoscope).

In everyday use, “endoscopy” generally refers to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

With endoscopy, both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can be performed. In addition to standard diagnostic procedures, more advanced interventions such as polyp removal, stopping bleeding, and stent placement are referred to as advanced endoscopic procedures.

At Daviva Health Group, endoscopy procedures are performed by experienced specialist physicians in the field, using advanced technological devices.

Learn detailed information about what endoscopy is, how it is performed, which conditions it is used for, the procedure time, risks, and the difference from colonoscopy.

What Is Endoscopy?

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic technique that allows examination of the inner lining of the upper digestive system organs without the need for surgery. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light source and camera at its tip. It also has a working channel that allows the use of small instruments. The purpose of the examination is to understand the source of symptoms and to detect abnormalities that may indicate disease, especially cancer.

With the endoscopy procedure, pathologies or lesions affecting organs such as the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine can be detected. The procedure also allows for biopsy.

It is the most reliable and widely used diagnostic method in the evaluation of upper digestive system diseases. Endoscopy is an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of many digestive system diseases, including serious conditions.

Why Is Endoscopy Performed?

With endoscopy, the inner lining of the upper digestive system is evaluated in detail. Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux, duodenal ulcer, dyspepsia (indigestion), and persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, ulcer, inflammation, bleeding, tumor, vascular dilatations, and hemorrhages caused by diseases such as esophageal or stomach cancer can be visualized directly.

During the endoscopic procedure, biopsy samples can be taken from suspicious areas.

The treatments applied during the procedure are as follows:

• Benign tumors can be removed.
• Foreign bodies lodged in the digestive system can be removed.
• Digestive system bleeding can be treated

How Is Endoscopy Performed?

In this examination, the gastroenterology specialist uses the endoscope, a thin and flexible tube with a high-resolution camera and light source at the tip, and to which various interventional instruments can be attached when needed, to examine the inner surfaces of the upper digestive system organs.

The endoscopy procedure may be performed under sedation. Before the procedure, fasting for at least 8 hours is required.

The diagnostic endoscopic method allows observation of the upper part of the digestive system, namely the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). The procedure is performed using an endoscope. To provide a better view, air is first blown into the stomach walls. Then, with the help of a camera, the inner surface of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum is examined.

Endoscopy can also be used therapeutically to take biopsies, remove tumors or foreign bodies, and stop bleeding.

If the purpose is to examine the upper digestive system, endoscopy takes an average of 10 to 15 minutes. If it is performed for treatment, the procedure time may be longer.

What Should Be Considered Before Endoscopy?

The endoscopy preparation process is important to ensure the success of the procedure and to minimize related risks. The patient should follow the instructions given by the doctor. At least 8 hours before the endoscopic procedure, no food or drink should be consumed. If there are regularly used medications or drug allergies, the gastroenterology specialist should be informed.

What Is the Recovery Process After Endoscopy?

After the procedure, the patient may experience burning, irritation in the throat, and abdominal pain; these symptoms usually pass within a few minutes without the need for additional procedures or treatment. Food should not be eaten for 1-2 hours after the endoscopic procedure. The first meals should be mostly liquid, and fatty and heavy foods should be avoided for the next 1-2 days.

If the endoscopic procedure is performed for diagnostic purposes and with mild sedation, the patient can return home the same day.

If therapeutic procedures are to be performed and the procedure is done under general anesthesia, a longer period of clinical observation may be required depending on the doctor's assessment.

Temporary drowsiness, dizziness, blurred or double vision may occur after treatment. Driving is not recommended for 24 hours after the procedure.

Which Diseases Is Endoscopy Used For?

Endoscopy is a safe and effective method for the early diagnosis of digestive system diseases, obtaining biopsies, and performing many interventional treatments without surgery. It is used especially for the following complaints and diseases:

• Persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
• Bleeding of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine
• Inflammations and ulcers
• Gastroesophageal Reflux
• Helicobacter pylori infection
• Esophageal cancer and stomach cancer

When a suspicious area is seen, a biopsy (tissue sample) can be taken with forceps passed through the endoscope. Thanks to the biopsy, inflammation, infection, and benign and malignant lesions can be distinguished.

What Are the Risks and Possible Complications of Endoscopy?

When endoscopy is performed by experienced gastroenterology specialists and with appropriate equipment, it is a safe procedure and complications are rare.

Possible risks mostly arise during therapeutic (advanced endoscopic) interventions.

Possible complications are as follows:

• Mild bleeding may occur after biopsy or polyp removal (polypectomy). In most cases, the bleeding is minimal and stops on its own. Rarely, additional intervention may be required.
• In some patients, low blood pressure, slowed breathing, or an allergic reaction may develop to the sedation (mild anesthesia) medications used during the procedure. Therefore, the patient is closely monitored throughout the procedure.
• A tear in the wall of the digestive system is a very rare complication. If it occurs, surgical intervention may be required.

What Is the Difference Between Endoscopy and Colonoscopy?

Upper digestive system examination is a procedure performed through the mouth. The inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum is examined in detail.

This method is used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as reflux, gastritis, ulcers, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, and tumors. When necessary, a biopsy can be taken or therapeutic procedures such as stopping bleeding can be performed.

Colonoscopy, on the other hand, is performed through the anus and allows examination of the rectum and the entire large intestine.

Thanks to this procedure:

• Polyps can be detected and removed.
• Intestinal bleeding can be evaluated.
• Biopsy can be taken from suspicious lesions.
• Colon cancer screening can be performed.

Colonoscopy is both a diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Endoscopy

Is Endoscopy Painful?

Since it is performed under sedation, patients usually do not feel pain. After the procedure, burning, irritation in the throat, and abdominal pain may occur.

Is Endoscopy Surgery?

Endoscopy is not surgery. It is a safe and effective method for the early diagnosis of digestive system diseases, obtaining biopsies, and performing many interventional treatments without surgery.

How Long Does Endoscopy Take?

Endoscopy performed for diagnostic purposes takes an average of 10 to 15 minutes. If it is performed for treatment, the procedure time may be longer.

Is It Necessary to Stay in the Hospital After Endoscopy?

If endoscopy was performed for diagnostic purposes, the patient can return home the same day. If therapeutic procedures were performed, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for 1 day, depending on the doctor's assessment.

For detailed information about endoscopy and to make an appointment, you can contact our gastroenterology specialists.