Different Types Of Endoscopy And Its Uses [Explained]

Different Types Of Endoscopy

In this piece of content, you’ll get to know about the different types of Endoscopy. Endoscopy is a method to view inside a human body. For this purpose, the doctor uses an endoscope, a thin tube with a powerful light and a tiny camera at the end. Depend on which body area the physician wants to investigate, there are different types of endoscopes.

For example, examining the joints need a short, straight endoscope while investigating the colon need a long, flexible device.

Endoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to view the inside of a person’s body.

An endoscope is a flexible tube with a light and camera. It is used in endoscopy to examine a person’s digestive and respiratory tract.

Endoscopes can obtain samples of tissue, detect cancer and other abnormalities.  

Different Types Of Endoscopy:

Some of the most frequently used types of endoscopes include:

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy helps to inspect the colon and the rectum. For this purpose, a flexible endoscope is inserted into the body through the anus.

Gastroscopy

It helps to examine the esophagus and stomach. The endoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

An ERCP is used to investigate the biliary tract. Similar to gastroscopy, the endoscope is inserted through the mouth.

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy helps to inspect the lungs and airways. The endoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth.

Other types of endoscopy are:

Arthroscopy

The purpose is to examine the joints. The endoscope is inserted through a small incision.

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a method to examine the womb (uterus). The endoscope is inserted into the vagina.

Cystoscopy

It helps to examine the bladder. The endoscope is inserted into the urethra.

Potential Complications:

Endoscopy is a relatively safe procedure, despite there are some of the things that may go wrong. It includes:

  • Reaction to sedation
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Perforation (tear in the gut)
  • Infection

Conclusion:

Endoscopy is a useful diagnostic tool to examine the body.

References:

  1. http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-endoscopy
  2. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Endoscopy/Pages/Introduction.aspx
  3. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=12538