Endoscopy and Colonoscopy
Endoscopy and Colonoscopy are medical procedures that allows us to examine the gastrointestinal tract of a patient's body using a flexible tube equipped with a camera and light source. This minimally invasive technique is commonly used to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a long, flexible tube with a camera, called an endoscope, to examine the inside oesophagus, stomach and 1st part of the small intestine. It is used to investigate for reflux, fe deficiency anaemia, hiatus hernia and upper abdominal pain. The procedure involves inserting the endoscope through the mouth to visualize the upper GI tract, allowing for assessment of the anatomy, and/or biopsies, and usually take 10-15 minutes. This is usually conducted as a day case procedure.
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Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a long, flexible tube with a camera, called a colonoscope, to examine the inside of the large intestine. It is used to detect polyps (abnormal growths) or cancerous tissue and is typically recommended after a positive result from a bowel cancer screening test or if you have specific bowel symptoms or a family history of bowel disease. The procedure involves inserting the colonoscope through the anus to visualize the colon, allowing for biopsies or the removal of polyps, and usually takes 20-30 minutes.
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Risks
Pain
Usually presents as post procedure abdominal bloating and discomfort but settles on its own quickly
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Infection
Rare, a sterilized scope is used for each patient
Bleeding
Can happen after the procedure and after polyps are removed, majoirty of the time is self limiting
Perforation
Rare, risk is ~ 1 in 1000