An endoscopy is a procedure that is done to examine the interiors of an organ through the body’s natural orifices. It is not a very invasive procedure and is also quite safe. The physician uses a flexible scope to check for lesions. The presence of any foreign objects can also be detected and small biopsies can also be taken for further examination. For example, if an intestinal problem is suspected, the physician will recommend an endoscopy to examine the cause of the problem in the intestine.
Endoscopy procedure is carried out after anesthesia is administered to the individual. Using a small flexible fiber optic tube which has a camera at the tip, the physician is able to look into the interior surfaces of the intestine. The tube, called an endoscope, is first inserted from the mouth into the esophagus, and then passes into the stomach, until it passes through a portion of the intestine. The physician may also insert the endoscope through the anus. In case, the problem is suspected to be in the large intestine, a colonoscopy may be recommended. This enables the physician to get a clear look into the surface of the colon and check for abnormalities. Endoscopies are painless procedures and only a slight amount of discomfort may be caused to the individual during and after the procedure. Depending on the type of anesthesia used, the individual may be required to remain in the hospital for some time after the endoscopy.
The individual can either opt for anesthesia through a spray or a sedative injection which is administered intravenously. Some patients may also decide not go in for any anesthesia. The anesthetic spray is administered in the throat. It creates a numbing sensation in the back of the throat which prevents the individual from gagging on the endoscope as it is inserted. The spray does not have a sedative effect and as such the individual will be fully conscious during the entire procedure. The individual will also be able to go home soon after the procedure, although he must not drink or eat for at least one hour after the procedure is completed. Intravenous sedatives result in conscious sedation which means that the individual will feel sleepy and relaxed but will not lose consciousness completely. The individual is also not likely to remember anything about the procedure and will need to stay and rest for sometime in the hospital. After understanding the effects of both anesthetic methods and after discussing it with your doctor, you can decide to opt for any one of them.
Submitted by M T on February 25, 2010 at 12:48