Endoscopy is a test that not only allows you to collect material for further tests, but also, if necessary, to perform the procedure immediately. Endoscopic examinations are used primarily in the diagnosis of diseases of the digestive system, orthopedics and in laryngology. Check what you need to know about endoscopy?
Endoscopy( endoscopic examination ) involves inserting a probe - an endoscope into the patient's body. Part of the endoscope contains an optical fiber to illuminate the examined field, an image guide - transmitting an image from the inside of the examined organ, and a tool channel for introducing special tools for collecting material for examinations and treatments. Endoscopes have been used in various devices adapted to diagnose specific parts of the body (laparoscopes, bronchoscopes, arthroscopes, gastroscopes, etc.).
Endoscopy: types
- Bronchoscopy is an examination of the inside of the trachea and bronchi, allowing the collection of bronchial secretions and specimens of the mucosa for histopathological, cytological and bacteriological examinations.
- Needle endoscopy, e.g. ocular endoscopy, allows you to view the internal structures of the eye or the heart valves and coronary vessels.
- Gastroscopy is an examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract and enables the diagnosis of diseases of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, taking mucosa specimens for histopathological examinations and stopping minor bleeding.
- Capsule endoscopy is a test that enables the diagnosis of diseases of the entire small intestine. Unlike other endoscopic examinations, in this case the patient does not swallow a flexible tube, but a metal capsule containing a miniature camera that takes about 50,000 photos as it passes through his digestive tract. These photos are transferred to a device mounted on the patient's abdomen. After passing through the digestive system, the capsule is excreted.
- Arthroscopy is an endoscopy of a joint, e.g. of the knee.
- Cystoscopy is an endoscopy of the bladder, urethra, ureters and, in men, also of the prostate. A cystoscope is inserted through the urethra to view the inside of the urethra. The purpose of this test may be to diagnose infections, polyps, nephrolithiasis, and neoplasms.
- Laparoscopy is perhaps the most popularendoscopic examination. It is used to assess the structure of the interior of the peritoneal cavity, e.g. of the stomach, liver, female genital organs. In this case, the endoscope is inserted through an incision in the abdomen.
- Colonoscopy is a test that assesses the mucosa of the large intestine.