Pronounced en-DOS-kuh-pee
Also known as Gastroscopy, Upper GI endoscopy, Camera test
An endoscopy is an examination of the inside of the body with a thin flexible tube carrying a camera and a light. The commonest kind passes through the mouth to look at the food pipe, stomach and the first part of the small intestine.
Scans show shadows; an endoscope shows the surface itself, in colour, and can act on what it finds. Through the same tube a doctor can take a , stop a bleeding ulcer, widen a narrowing, or remove a polyp. That combination of seeing and treating in one sitting is why it remains the definitive test for most upper digestive problems.
It is done for indigestion that has not settled on treatment, for and ulcers, for stubborn , for anaemia of unknown origin, and urgently for vomiting blood or passing black tarry stools. Any of these with weight loss, difficulty swallowing or vomiting that persists is a reason to be seen quickly rather than to keep trying antacids. Serious complications are rare, but tell the unit at once about severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting blood or breathlessness after the procedure. Colonoscopy is the same principle applied to the large bowel, with a bowel-cleansing preparation the day before.
Gastroenterology
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