Endoscopic Procedures for Digestive Tract Evaluation

What Is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a procedure in which a flexible instrument with a small camera is used to view the inside of the body.For gastrointestinal endoscopy, the instrument allows the doctor to directly examine the lining of the digestive tract. Depending on the procedure, tissue samples may also be taken when clinically appropriate.Endoscopy can help investigate symptoms and identify abnormalities that may not be apparent from symptoms alone.

Endoscopic Procedures Available

Upper GI Endoscopy

Upper GI endoscopy, also called EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), examines the upper part of the digestive tract.

The endoscope is passed through the mouth to examine the:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Duodenum

It may be recommended when symptoms or clinical findings require examination of the upper digestive tract. Depending on the findings, the procedure can help identify conditions such as inflammation, ulcers, bleeding or other abnormalities.

Read more about Upper GI Endoscopy →

Lower GI Endoscopy

Lower GI endoscopy is used to examine the lower part of the digestive tract, particularly the colon and rectum.The endoscope is introduced through the anus and allows the doctor to examine the lining of the large intestine.It may be used to investigate symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal symptoms or other findings that require examination of the colon and rectum.

Read more about Lower GI Endoscopy →

When May an Endoscopy Be Recommended?

Endoscopy may be recommended when symptoms or examination findings suggest that direct visual assessment of the digestive tract would be useful.

Depending on the type of endoscopy, reasons for evaluation may include:

• Persistent digestive symptoms
• Abdominal discomfort requiring further evaluation
• Difficulty swallowing or upper digestive symptoms
• Suspected inflammation or ulcer
• Gastrointestinal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Persistent changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained findings from other investigations
• Need to investigate an abnormality seen on imaging or other tests

The decision to perform an endoscopy depends on the individual patient's symptoms, medical history and clinical findings.

Upper and Lower GI Endoscopy Examine Different Areas

Although both procedures use a flexible camera, they are used to examine different parts of the digestive tract.

What Can Endoscopy Help Identify?

The appearance of the digestive tract can provide useful information when investigating certain symptoms or suspected conditions.

Depending on the area being examined, endoscopy may help identify:

• Inflammation
• Ulcers
• Bleeding
• Abnormal growths or lesions
• Changes in the lining of the digestive tract
• Other abnormalities requiring further evaluation

If a suspicious or abnormal area is identified, a biopsy may sometimes be taken for laboratory examination.Endoscopy findings need to be interpreted together with symptoms, examination and other investigations rather than viewed in isolation.

What Happens Before an Endoscopic Procedure?

Preparation depends on whether an upper or lower GI endoscopy is being performed.Before the procedure, the medical team may discuss:

Medical History

Tell the doctor about existing medical conditions, previous procedures and medicines you take, particularly medicines that can affect bleeding or sedation.

Procedure Preparation

You may receive specific instructions about eating, drinking and medicines before an upper GI endoscopy.For a lower GI endoscopy, bowel preparation is generally required so that the colon can be examined properly.

Understanding the Procedure

The healthcare team should explain the procedure, preparation requirements and any relevant risks before it is performed.

Is Endoscopy the Same as Endoscopic Surgery?

Not necessarily.Endoscopy can be performed primarily to examine the digestive tract and investigate symptoms or abnormalities. In some situations, an endoscope can also be used to perform certain interventions.The appropriate approach depends on the condition being evaluated and the purpose of the procedure.

The two procedures covered on this page are:

• Upper GI Endoscopy
• Lower GI Endoscopy

Detailed information about each procedure is available on its respective page.

What Happens After Endoscopy?

After the procedure, the medical team provides instructions based on the type of examination and whether any intervention or tissue sampling was performed.If sedation is used, temporary drowsiness or reduced alertness may occur, and specific instructions regarding activities after the procedure should be followed.The doctor may discuss the findings after the examination. If a biopsy was taken, the final result may require additional laboratory processing before it can be reviewed.

Endoscopic Care at Tirtham Surgical Hospital

Tirtham Surgical Hospital provides endoscopic evaluation for conditions involving the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract.

The endoscopic procedures available include:

• Upper GI Endoscopy — examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum
• Lower GI Endoscopy — examination of the colon and rectum

The appropriate procedure is selected according to the symptoms, clinical findings and part of the digestive tract that requires evaluation.Tirtham Surgical Hospital3rd Floor, Silver Radiance 2, 312–315, Science City Road, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380060

For appointments: +91-9428736360

Plan Your Endoscopic Evaluation

If persistent digestive symptoms or an abnormal clinical finding requires further investigation, an appropriate endoscopic examination can help doctors directly assess the relevant part of the digestive tract.The type of procedure depends on whether the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract needs to be examined.

Book an appointment: WhatsApp Tirtham Surgical Hospital Call: +91-9428736360 Visit: Tirtham Surgical Hospital, Ahmedabad