Endoscopy

The doctor uses an endoscope (a small tube with a camera attached to it) to view pictures of a certain part of the body in great detail, even in color. An upper endoscopy enters the body at the mouth. When the endoscope enters through the rectum, the procedure is called a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, depending on how much of the colon is examined. Endoscopes can also enter through the nose, ear, urinary tract, cervix, or through a small incision.
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An Endoscopy May Be Recommended For:

• Stomach Pain
• Ulcers
• Gastritis
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Digestive Tract Bleeding
• Bowel Movement Changes
• Growths in the Colon
• Surgical Procedures
• Nasal Blockage
  
  

Generally, endoscopies only take an hour to complete and do not require a patient to stay overnight. Patients may be asked to fast for 12 hours or take laxatives the night before when examining the digestive tract. It is normal for patients to be conscious while the endoscopy is performed. However, the patient may receive a topical anesthetic or be sedated for the procedure. If the patient received sedation, they will be monitored for at least an hour after the procedure while the medication wears off.