A procedure where the inside of your body is examined using an instrument called an endoscope.
An endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube that has a light source and camera at one end.
Images of the inside of your body are relayed to a television screen.
Endoscopes can be inserted into the body through a natural opening, such as the mouth and down the throat, or through the anus.
An endoscope can also be inserted through a small cut (incision) made in the skin when keyhole surgery is being carried out.
An endoscopy is used to:
– investigate unusual symptoms
– help perform certain types of surgery
– to remove a small sample of tissue for further analysis (known as a biopsy)
An endoscopy might be recommended to investigate the following symptoms:
– difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
– persistent abdominal pain
– chest pain that isn’t caused by heart-related conditions
– persistent nausea and vomiting
– unexplained weight loss
– vomiting blood
– persistent diarrhoea
– blood in your stools
An endoscopy is often uncomfortable and has been likened to to indigestion or a sore throat.
The procedure is usually carried out while you’re conscious.
You may be given a local anaesthetic to numb a specific area of your body. This may be in the form of a spray or lozenge to numb your throat, for example.
You may also be offered a sedative to help you relax and make you less aware of what’s going on around you.
The endoscope will be carefully inserted into your body. Exactly where it’s inserted will depend on the part of your body being examined.
For example, it may be inserted into your:
– throat
– anus – the opening stools are passed out of the body through
– urethra – the tube urine passes through out of the body
If you’re having keyhole surgery (laparoscopy), the endoscope will be inserted into a small incision your surgeon makes in your skin.
An endoscopy usually takes between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on what it’s being used for.
It will usually be carried out on an outpatient basis, which means you won’t have to stay in hospital overnight.
Source: NHS