Endoscopy what can it detect

Capsule endoscopy. A patient swallows a small, vitamin-sized capsule with a camera. The camera takes pictures of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. A device that you wear for approximately 8 hours records the pictures.

Then, the doctor reviews them. MedlinePlus: Endoscopy. Types of Endoscopy Approved by the Cancer. The endoscope's length and flexibility depend on the part of the body the doctor needs to see. Other tools used during an endoscopy Typically, an endoscope has a channel through which the doctor can insert tools.

Types of tools include: Flexible forceps. These tong-like tools take a tissue sample. Biopsy forceps. These remove a tissue sample or a suspicious growth. Cytology brushes. These take cell samples. Suture removal forceps.

These remove stitches inside the body Why you may need an endoscopy Your doctor may recommend an endoscopy for various reasons: To screen for and prevent cancer.

To give treatment. Doctors use endoscopes for certain treatments. Treatments that may involve an endoscope include: Laparoscopic surgery , which is done through small incisions in the skin Laser therapy, which uses a powerful beam of light to destroy cancer cells Microwave ablation, which uses heat to destroy cancerous tissue Endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection, which is surgery using an endoscope inserted into the gastrointestinal tract Photodynamic therapy, which destroys a tumor with a laser after injecting it with a light-sensitive substance Medication delivery, also called medication administration Types of endoscopy The most common types of endoscopy are listed below.

How should I prepare for an endoscopy? For example, you may need to take these steps: Avoid eating or drinking anything for several hours before the procedure.

During the procedure For most endoscopic procedures, you will not need to stay in the hospital overnight. After the procedure After the endoscopy, you will rest in a recovery area.

Talk with your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms: Fever Vomiting Chest pain Abnormal stool Shortness of breath Severe abdominal pain or other unusual symptoms Advances in endoscopy New techniques continue to make endoscopy more comfortable for people. New endoscopic techniques include: Virtual endoscopy. Researchers continue to study these and other types of virtual endoscopy: Virtual colonoscopy. Virtual bronchoscopy. This procedure looks at the inside of the lungs.

Navigating Cancer Care. Thursday: am - pm. Friday: am - pm. Saturday: Closed. Sunday: Closed. Eagle River Office Monday: am - pm. Wednesday: Closed. Friday: Closed. Our Physicians. Daryl M. Read more. Jeffrey W. Austin T. Martin P. Terri L. I'm really impressed with this clinic. This is normal.

Health Home Treatments, Tests and Therapies. Small tools may also be inserted into the endoscope. These tools can be used to: Take tissue samples for a biopsy Remove things such as food that may be stuck in the upper GI tract Inject air or fluid Stop bleeding Do procedures such as endoscopic surgery, laser therapy, or open dilate a narrowed area.

Why might I need an upper GI endoscopy? An upper GI endoscopy can be used to diagnose and treat problems in your upper GI tract. It is often used to find the cause of unexplained symptoms such as: Trouble swallowing dysphagia Unexplained weight loss Upper belly pain or chest pain that is not heart-related Continuous vomiting for an unknown reason intractable vomiting Bleeding in the upper GI tract An upper GI endoscopy can be used to identify disorders or problems such as: GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease Narrowing strictures or blockages Larger than normal veins in your esophagus esophageal varices Redness and swelling inflammation and sores ulcers Tumors, either cancerous malignant or not cancerous benign The stomach moving upward, either into or next to your esophagus hiatal hernia Damage caused by swallowing very harmful caustic substances, such as household detergents and chemicals Celiac disease Crohn's disease of the upper GI tract Infections of the upper GI tract An upper GI endoscopy can also treat problems in the upper GI tract.

The procedure can be used to: Control bleeding Remove tumors or growths polyps Open dilate narrowed areas Remove things that may be stuck Perform laser therapy Insert a tube used for tube feeding a percutaneous gastrostomy tube into the stomach Band abnormal veins in your esophagus esophageal varices An endoscope can be used to take tissue samples biopsies or GI fluid samples.

Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend an upper GI endoscopy. See all Gastroenterology and Hepatology locations.

What are the risks of an upper GI endoscopy? Some possible complications that may occur with an upper GI endoscopy are: Infection Bleeding A tear in the lining perforation of the duodenum, esophagus, or stomach You may have other risks that are unique to you. How do I get ready for an upper GI endoscopy? Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have about the procedure.

You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear. Tell your healthcare provider if you are sensitive to or allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, and anesthesia medicines local and general. You will be asked not to eat or drink for 8 hours before the test. This usually means no food or drink after midnight.

You may be given additional instructions about following a special diet for 1 or 2 days before the procedure. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Tell your provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders. Let your provider know if you are taking any blood-thinning medicines, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medicines that affect blood clotting.

You may need to stop taking these medicines before the procedure. Your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how to prepare your bowel for the test. You may be asked to take a laxative, an enema, or a rectal laxative suppository. Or you may have to drink a special fluid that helps prepare your bowel.