Best Endoscopy Surgery in Delhi, India

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that involves inserting a long, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera into the body to examine internal organs and tissues. This non-invasive procedure allows doctors to view real-time images on a monitor, aiding in diagnosing and sometimes treating various conditions. 

Endoscopy is used to investigate symptoms, monitor ongoing conditions, and even perform biopsies, where small tissue samples are taken for further analysis. The versatility of endoscopy makes it a crucial tool in modern medicine, enabling precise diagnostics and early detection of diseases.

How does it Work?

An endoscope is a slender, flexible tube with a camera and light at its tip. Here's how it works:

Insertion and Navigation

• The endoscope is gently inserted through natural body openings like the mouth, rectum, or small incisions.
• It is then carefully navigated through the body's internal pathways.

Real-time Imaging

• The camera transmits live images to a monitor, allowing doctors to view the internal organs in real-time.
• This visualisation helps in detecting abnormalities such as ulcers, tumours, or blockages.

Biopsy Capabilities

• During the procedure, small tools can be passed through the endoscope to take tissue samples (biopsies) if needed.
• These samples are crucial for diagnosing various conditions, including cancer.

Types of Endoscopy Procedures

There are various types of endoscopy, each tailored for specific areas of the body:

• Upper GI Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy): Examines the oesophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine.
• Colonoscopy (Lower GI Endoscopy): Visualises the entire colon and rectum, often used for colorectal cancer screening.
• Enteroscopy: Explores the small intestine, often used when standard endoscopy is inconclusive.
• Sigmoidoscopy (flexible sigmoidoscopy): Similar to a colonoscopy, but focuses on the lower part of the colon.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Involves swallowing a small, pill-sized camera to capture images of the digestive tract.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Used to identify the presence of stones, tumours, or narrowing in the biliary and pancreatic ducts.
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): A technique that merges endoscopy with ultrasound to produce images of the digestive system and surrounding organs and tissues.

Why is an Endoscopy Performed?

Endoscopy is performed for several reasons, including:

Diagnostic Purposes

• To investigate symptoms such as persistent pain, bleeding, liver disease, diarrhoea etc., or difficulty swallowing.
• To detect conditions like ulcers, cancers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and other digestive issues.

Therapeutic Uses

• To remove polyps or foreign objects.
• To stop bleeding in the digestive tract.
• Create images of the pancreas and perform punctures to obtain a diagnosis.
• Study the ducts of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. 

When Doctors Recommend Endoscopy

• When non-invasive tests (like X-rays or CT scans) are inconclusive.
• When there is a need for direct visualisation and biopsy.
• As part of routine screenings for conditions like colorectal cancer.

How to Prepare for an Endoscopy?

Preparation is key to a successful endoscopy:

Fasting Requirements

• Typically, no food or drink is allowed for 6–8 hours before the procedure.
• For colonoscopies, a bowel prep (laxative) is usually required.

Medications to Avoid

• Blood thinners, certain supplements, and medications may need to be paused.
• Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.

Pre-Procedure Instructions

• Arrange for someone to drive you home due to the effects of sedation.
• Wear comfortable clothing and leave valuables at home.

What Happens During an Endoscopy?

The procedure involves several steps:

Step-by-Step Process

• The patient is positioned comfortably, and a sedative or anaesthesia is administered.
• The endoscope is carefully inserted into the targeted area.
• The doctor examines the internal organs, possibly taking biopsies if needed.

Use of Sedation or Anaesthesia

• Most endoscopies are performed under mild sedation to keep the patient relaxed.
• In some cases, general anaesthesia may be used.

Duration of the Procedure

The procedure typically lasts 15–60 minutes, depending on the type and complexity.

What to Expect After the Endoscopy

Recovery Process

• Patients are monitored in a recovery area until the effects of sedation wear off.
• Some may experience mild bloating, gas, or a sore throat.

Common After-Effects

• Mild discomfort or bloating, especially after a colonoscopy.
• Sore throat if the endoscope was passed through the mouth.

Resuming Daily Activities

• Most patients can return to normal activities the next day.
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours if sedation is used.

Risks and Complications of Endoscopy

Although endoscopy is generally safe, there are potential risks: Incase of therapeutic procedure are performed (To be elaborated)

Possible Complications

• Infection, bleeding, or perforation of the organ being examined.
• Rarely, adverse reactions to sedation.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your doctor if you experience severe pain, persistent vomiting, fever, or heavy bleeding after the procedure.

Benefits of Endoscopy

Endoscopy offers several advantages:

• Early detection of diseases: Enables timely diagnosis of conditions like cancer, leading to better outcomes.
• Less invasive diagnostic method: Compared to traditional surgery, endoscopy is minimally invasive with shorter recovery times.
• Better visibility and precision: High-definition imaging provides detailed views of internal organs, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

It's essential to know when to reach out to your doctor:

• Post-procedure warning signs: Fever, severe pain, or unusual bleeding.
• Follow-up instructions: Ensure you understand any follow-up care, including when to discuss biopsy results.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is an endoscopy painful?

No, most patients experience little to no pain due to sedation.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery is typically quick, with most patients feeling normal within a day.

What are the alternatives to endoscopy?

Alternatives include imaging tests like MRI or CT scans, but they may be less detailed.

How long does an endoscopy take?

It typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the complexity.

Is an endoscopy a serious procedure?

It's generally safe, with complications being rare.

Is bleeding after an endoscopy normal?

Mild bleeding can occur, especially if a biopsy is taken, but heavy bleeding should be reported to your doctor.

Review

Reviewed By Dr Vibhu Mittal - Director of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy on 18 Sep 2024.