Endoscopy
What is an Endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic modality involving the usage of flexible cameras that can be inserted into various spaces within the body such as the gastrointestinal tract, the airways and pulmonary system.
An endoscopy into the upper gastrointestinal tract is often called a gastroscopy or gastroduodenoscopy.
An endoscopy into the lower gastrointestinal tract is often called a colonoscopy.
In our practice, we commonly utilise endoscopy to evaluate the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract for conditions such as reflux, hiatus hernias, abdominal pain and bleeding, preoperative bariatric surgery assessment, anaemia investigation, altered bowel habit, weight loss and suspicion for malignancy. During the endoscopy, we can perform targeted biopsies for diagnostic confirmation, which allows us to formulate the most appropriate treatment plan.
Interventional Endoscopy is a procedure where specific problems can be definitively managed with endoscopy such as in the case of gastrointestinal bleeding, strictures or advanced gastrointestinal endoscopic interventions such as EndoVAC, stents and dilatation.
How is Endoscopy performed?
- Endoscopy is safely performed as a day procedure under a twilight anaesthetic. In the setting of a colonoscopy, patients are also required to undergo a bowel preparation regimen to ensure that visualisation is optimal.
- Patients are advised of preliminary findings on the day of the procedure but final biopsy results are given usually within a few days.
- Following the endoscopy and confirmation of results, your surgeon will discuss treatment options with you at length.