Are you afraid of an endoscopy? Let's talk about it simply.

Has your doctor told you that you need to have an endoscopy? You may be a little scared when you hear the name. 'What is this? They put a tube inside your body? Will it hurt?' It's normal for many questions like these to come to mind. Or maybe a family member or friend of yours is scheduled to have this test and you want to know about it. Whatever the reason, don't worry. Today, we're going to talk about it very simply, in a way that will clear up all the questions you have in your mind.

Simply put, what is endoscopy?

Imagine how great it would be if you could actually look inside an organ inside your body, like your stomach, lungs, or intestines. That's what we use endoscopy to do.

Simply put, an endoscopy is a test that allows you to look very closely at the organs inside your body. The instrument used for this is called an endoscope. It is a thin, flexible tube. It looks like a thin wire. At one end of this tube is a small camera and a light .

When the doctor guides this tube into your body, the images from the camera, which are what your organs look like inside, are clearly visible on a large screen. It's like watching a TV program inside your body. This allows the doctor to see exactly if there is any problem, injury, or change in your organs.

But it's not just about looking. Some endoscopes have small channels inside the tube. Through these channels, doctors can insert small instruments to take a sample of tissue from a suspicious area (biopsy) , or even perform minor surgery.

Are there many types of endoscopy?

Yes, there are many types of endoscopy. But the basic principle of all of them is the same. That is, a tube with a camera attached is inserted into the body and examined. These types differ mainly in a few ways.

• Organ being tested: The name of the test changes depending on the organ being tested.
• Scope: The tube used also varies depending on the viewing angle. Some are very flexible, while others are a bit rigid.
• The location of the tube insertion: It also varies depending on which opening or incision in the body the tube is inserted through.

To understand this information clearly, let's look at this table.

This table only lists a few of the main types. In addition, there are other specialized types.

Advanced techniques

Nowadays, with technology, these tests have become even easier. An example is Capsule Endoscopy . Imagine that you swallow a camera that looks like a small vitamin capsule. The camera takes thousands of pictures as it travels down your digestive tract and sends signals back out. This allows you to examine your digestive tract without having to put a tube in.

What types of things are detected by an endoscopy?

Doctors use this test for two main reasons:

1. Find the cause of symptoms (Diagnosis): This helps you determine the exact cause of a particular symptom you are experiencing, such as stomach ache, difficulty swallowing, or a persistent cough.

2. Screening: This test is done to detect certain diseases, especially cancer, even if there are no symptoms. For example, it is very important to have a colonoscopy to check for colon cancer after the age of 50.

What diseases can be detected by this test?

• Digestive system diseases: stomach ulcers, colon polyps, cancer, and other conditions such as gastritis.
• Respiratory system diseases: Conditions such as lung infections and cancer.
• Urinary system diseases: urinary stones, bladder infections, or other problems.
• Gynecological problems: uterine abnormalities, causes of heavy bleeding.
• Joint problems: Joint damage, arthritis conditions.

How it's not just a test, but also a treatment method

This is the most amazing thing about endoscopy technology. You can even treat while looking at it.

• Biopsy: A small piece of tissue can be taken from a suspicious area to check if it is cancerous or not.
• Stopping bleeding: If you are bleeding from a stomach ulcer, you can stop it with this device.
• Polyps removal: Polyps in the colon that can become cancerous can be removed without surgery.
• Removing blockages: If there is a blockage in the esophagus or other tube, it can be widened or a stent can be placed.
• Keyhole Surgery: Laparoscopy is a good example of this. Instead of making a large incision and opening the abdomen, this tube is inserted through several small holes to perform major surgeries, such as removing the gallbladder. This results in less pain for the patient, faster healing, and minimal scarring.

How do you prepare before the test?

This is very important. It is essential to the success of the test that you follow the instructions given by your doctor exactly . You will usually receive instructions like this:

• Providing a medical history: Tell your doctor everything about other medical conditions you have (such as diabetes, high blood pressure), medications you take, vitamins, and allergies.
• Stopping blood thinners: If you are taking blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin, you will need to stop them a few days before the test. Be sure to consult your doctor about this.
• Fasting: You will be advised not to eat or drink anything for 8-12 hours before the test. An empty stomach is essential to obtain a clear image.
• Bowel Prep: For tests like a colonoscopy, your bowels will need to be completely cleaned out. You will be given a special liquid to drink. Although this can be a bit uncomfortable, it is very important to do this correctly for the test to be successful.
• Someone to drive you home: In most cases, you will be sedated for this test, so you will not be able to drive after the test. Therefore, it is essential to have someone to drive you home.

What happens during the test? Will it hurt?

This is the biggest question many people have. The answer is: No, you won't feel any pain.

Before the test begins, the medical team will give you a sedative through a vein. Sometimes, you will be given general anesthesia. This will put you into a light sleep. You will not remember anything or feel any pain.

After you are asleep, the doctor carefully inserts the endoscope into your body. They look at the screen and perform the necessary tests and treatments. The entire procedure can usually take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the type of test being performed.

What happens after the test?

After the test is over, you will be taken to a recovery room. You will need to stay there for about an hour or two until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.

• You may feel a little sleepy, a little dizzy. That's normal.
• If the tube is inserted through the mouth, there may be a slight scratch-like pain in the throat for a day or two.
• If your intestines are examined, you may feel a slight distention or gas in your stomach. This is because a little air is blown into your intestines to make the examination easier. This will also go away after a while.

Most of the time you can go home the same day. But it's important to rest for the rest of the day. Don't do heavy work or drive.

When should you call the doctor?

Endoscopy is a very safe procedure . Complications are rare. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital.

• If you have a high fever or feel like you are shivering with cold.
• If you have an unbearable stomach ache .
• If you have difficulty breathing or chest pain.
• If you have difficulty swallowing or have a severe sore throat.
• If you pass black, tarry stools (this could be a sign of internal bleeding).
• If you vomit blood .

Although these are very rare, it is important to be aware of them.

In conclusion, there is no reason to be afraid of an endoscopy. It is a painless, safe procedure that provides valuable information about your health. Sometimes, a disease that would otherwise require major surgery can be cured with this small test. Therefore, if your doctor recommends this test, discuss your concerns with him and face it without fear. It is a good decision for your health .

Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Biopsy, Gastroscopy, Surgery, Keyhole Surgery, Laparoscopy