People are so busy with day-to-day work; they hardly find any time to have a proper & healthy diet. They tend to ignore food and live on junk food. The digestive system-related disease is caused mainly due to a busy lifestyle, frequent traveling, too much junk food, etc. Around 70 percent of the people in the world are suffering from some digestive system-related problem.
To diagnose and treat digestive system-related ailments, Endoscopy is a very effective medical method to observe and diagnose internals of the human body.
But before discussing types, uses and reasons, first, let’s discuss what Endoscopy is?
Endoscopy is a medical process to look inside the cavity or hollow organ of the body. Endoscopes in this procedure are inserted directly in the affected body part. This medical process can also be used for imaging and minor surgeries. The complete process is minimally invasive and done through the insertion of the tube, mainly in the anus or mouth.
With the rapid advancement of modern technology, a couple of alternate spots for insertion have been added, such as abdomen and knee.
Uses of Endoscopic Procedure
Doctors can perform Private Endoscopy for the following three purposes.
Confirmation of a diagnosis
Doctors can perform a biopsy for confirmation of severe diseases such as cancer.
Investigation
To initial diagnosis and understand the problem if the person is experiencing specific problems such as stomach ulcers, swallowing problems, gastrointestinal bleeding, pain in the abdominal, frequent vomiting, etc.
Diagnosis at an early stage can cure quickly and prevents aggravating the disease.
Treatment
Not only diagnosis but Endoscope can also be used directly to cure the ailment. For example, an endoscopy can seal the bleeding part using heat or remove a polyp.
Apart from direct uses of Private Endoscopy, this procedure can be applied with other procedures such as an ultrasound scan. Modern endoscopes use narrow band imaging to detect precancerous spots with green and blue wavelengths in people with disorders.
Reasons for Endoscopic Procedure
The doctor might consider the endoscopic procedure for the following reasons:
- Ulcer in stomach
- Pancreatitis
- Symptoms of Gallstones
- Bleeding from the digestive gland
- Severe Constipation
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Tumors
- Infections
- Esophagus blocking
- Hiatal hernia
- Vaginal Bleeding
- Blood from Urine
- Other severe issues in the Digestive system
Before deciding on an endoscopic procedure, the doctor will run some blood tests to confirm the situation. They also analyze if treatment is possible without the procedure can be cured by medicines only. They suggest endoscopic procedures only when there is no other way to treat.
Types of Endoscopic Procedure
American Cancer Society has categorized thirteen types of endoscopy procedures based on the area of the body involved in the treatment.
- Arthroscopy:
- Bronchoscopy: Lungs.
- Colonoscopy: Colon.
- Cystoscopy: Bladder
- Enteroscopy: Small Intestine
- Hysteroscopy: Inside of the Uterus
- Laparoscopy: Abdominal or Pelvic area
- Mediastinoscopy: Body part between the legs, Mediastinum
- Sigmoidoscopy: Lower part of Large Intestine or Rectum
- Laryngoscopy: Larynx
- Thoracoscopy: Between chest wall and lung
- Ureteroscopy: Ureter
- Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Upper Intestinal tract or Esophagus
Conclusion
There are numerous Endoscopy Practitioners in the UK, but it would be better to consult a doctor for Private Endoscopy on experiencing any of these symptoms mentioned above. Initiate the treatment today to avoid severe consequences in the future.
To know more about Private Endoscopy, check this video:
Author: Dr. Sarmed Sami MBChB, MRCP, PGCME, PhD
Consultant Gastroenterologist, Founder and Director of Digestive Health UK.
