Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Exploring Procedures and Uses

February 16, 2024

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a medical procedure that plays an important role in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of various diseases of the digestive system. An endoscope is a thin, highly flexible tube with a light and camera, and it is through this tool that doctors are able to visually examine the gastrointestinal tract.

In this article, we will discuss the different gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures and some of the conditions that doctors are able to diagnose and treat with greater accuracy because of it.

Different Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Procedures

Below are some of the most commonly used endoscopic procedures by GI doctors to examine their patients:

1.    Upper Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD)

This procedure involves the examination of the upper part of the gastrointestinal system, which includes the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. It can reveal any ulcers and inflammation in the upper digestive tract.

2.    Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the examination of the large intestine (colon) using an endoscope. It is primarily employed for colorectal cancer screening and the detection and removal of polyps. It can also be used in the evaluation of gastrointestinal bleeding and the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease.

3.    Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

ERCP combines endoscopy with X-ray imaging to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts.

It is commonly used for evaluating:

• Gallstones
• Biliary strictures
• Tumors
• Pancreatitis

During ERCP, dye is injected into the ducts, and X-ray images help guide the procedure.

4.    Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

This procedure examines the lower part of the large intestine, or the colon. The endoscope passes through the rectum in order to visualize any abnormal growths such as polyps or tumors in the distal colon. Unlike colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy does not reach the entire length of the colon.

5.    Capsule Endoscopy

This non-invasive procedure involves swallowing a small capsule-sized camera that takes pictures as it travels through the digestive system. These images are later reviewed by a healthcare professional to diagnose conditions like small bowel tumors and Crohn’s disease.

6.    Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

EUS combines endoscopy with ultrasound technology to obtain detailed images of the digestive tract and surrounding organs. During EUS, a flexible tube with an ultrasound probe is inserted through the mouth or rectum, allowing for visualization of the esophagus and other internal structures.

What Can a Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Diagnose?

Endoscopy can be used to diagnose gastrointestinal conditions such as:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Endoscopy can help in assessing the severity of GERD by evaluating the esophagus.

• Peptic Ulcers: Endoscopic procedures allow direct visualization and assessment of peptic ulcers in the stomach or duodenum.

• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can be visualized and evaluated through endoscopy.

• Esophagitis: An endoscope helps the healthcare provider identify inflammation and damage to the esophagus caused by different GI conditions such as acid reflux and GERD.

• Barrett’s Esophagus: Endoscopy is used to diagnose Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition characterized by changes in the lining of the esophagus.

• Esophageal Cancer: Endoscopic procedures allow for the detection of esophageal tumors and obtaining biopsies for cancer diagnosis and staging of the disease.

• Gastric Cancer: Endoscopy can visualize suspicious areas in the stomach, obtain biopsies for cancer testing, and aid in the staging of gastric cancer.

• Celiac Disease: An endoscope with small bowel biopsies is instrumental in confirming the diagnosis of celiac disease by identifying characteristic changes in the small intestine.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Endoscopy is used to diagnose and monitor IBD conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

• Colon Polyps and Cancer: Colonoscopy is an effective method for both diagnosing and removing polyps, which can potentially develop into colorectal cancer.

• Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis: Endoscopy can visualize diverticula (small pouches) in the colon and assess the severity of diverticulitis, an infection or inflammation of these pouches.

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Endoscopy helps identify the source of gastrointestinal bleeding and enables interventions such as cauterization, clipping, or injection of medications to stop bleeding.

• Bleeding and Anemia Diagnosis: Gastrointestinal bleeding and unexplained anemia can be investigated using endoscopy. The procedure helps identify the source of bleeding, such as ulcers and tumors.

Top Gastroenterology Practice in Westlake and Brooklyn, OH

For the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, we offer you the latest endoscopic procedures at North Shore Gastroenterology. Our board-certified gastroenterologists and advanced practitioners are trained and experienced in the latest endoscopic procedures for high-quality scans and an accurate diagnosis.

We make sure the latest technologies are available for our patients and are happy to discuss them with you. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (440) 808-1212 or use our convenient online request form. Our friendly staff looks forward to your communication.