Endoscopy is the insertion of a long, thin tube directly into the body to observe an internal organ or tissue in detail. It can also be used to carry out other tasks including imaging and minor surgery.Continue Reading Endoscopy – Medical Science Notes – For W.B.C.S. Examination.
Endoscopes are minimally invasive and can be inserted into the openings of the body such as the mouth or anus.
Alternatively, they can be inserted into small incisions, for instance, in the knee or abdomen. Surgery completed through a small incision and assisted with special instruments, such as the endoscope, is called keyhole surgery.
Because modern endoscopy has relatively few risks, delivers detailed images, and is quick to carry out, it has proven incredibly useful in many areas of medicine. Today, tens of millions Trusted Source of endoscopies are carried out each year.
Fast facts on endoscopy
Here are some key points about endoscopy. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
Endoscopies are quick and relatively safe procedures.
The first endoscope was designed in 1806.
The main reasons for endoscopy are investigation, confirmation, and treatment.
Endoscopy can be used to remove tumors or polyps from the digestive tract.
Types
Endoscopy is useful for investigating many systems within the human body; these areas include:
Gastrointestinal tract: esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), small intestine (enteroscopy), large intestine/colon (colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy), bile duct, rectum (rectoscopy), and anus (anoscopy).
Respiratory tract: Nose (rhinoscopy), lower respiratory tract (bronchoscopy).
Through a small incision: Abdominal or pelvic cavity (laparoscopy), interior of a joint (arthroscopy), organs of the chest (thoracoscopy and mediastinoscopy).
What is a capsule endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy was developed in the mid-1990s and involves a wireless camera. The camera is small enough to fit into a capsule (roughly the size of a vitamin tablet) and can, therefore, be swallowed.
As the capsule travels through the digestive tract, it takes thousands of pictures, which are transmitted to a device attached to a wearable belt.
Capsule endoscopy is used to image the small intestine, a region that is difficult to image using standard endoscopy. It is also very useful for examining the small intestinal mucosa and diagnosing Crohn’s diseaseTrusted Source. The capsule usually passes through the digestive system within 24-48 hours.
This is a relatively new technique and was given FDA approval for use in the United States in 2001. To date, more than 500,000 capsule endoscopy procedures have been carried out, and nearly 1,000 articles have been published covering its clinical use.
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