Gastrointestinal endoscopy is both a diagnostic and therapeutic technique used to address various conditions affecting the digestive system.
What Is an Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses an instrument called an endoscope, which allows doctors to visualize the inside of organs and body cavities. The endoscope is a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera and a light source at its tip, which captures real-time images and projects them onto a screen.
Depending on the anatomical region to be examined, there are different types of endoscopy:
Upper endoscopy to evaluate the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Colonoscopy to examine the rectum and colon.
Bronchoscopy to visualize the airways.
Cystoscopy to explore the bladder.
In addition to diagnosis, endoscopy can also be used for therapeutic purposes, such as performing biopsies, removing polyps, or stopping active bleeding.
Digestive Endoscopy
Gastrointestinal endoscopy, also known as digestive endoscopy, is a procedure that enables visualization of the inside of the digestive tract. Depending on the area being examined, it may be an upper endoscopy or a colonoscopy.
This procedure can be recommended for multiple reasons:
- Diagnosis: helps identify the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, gastrointestinal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss.
- Disease detection: identifies ulcers, tumors, polyps, inflammation caused by gastritis or colitis, as well as celiac disease.
- Monitoring: assists in following up on chronic conditions such as reflux esophagitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or gastric cancer.
- Therapeutic procedures: used to remove foreign bodies, place stents, or dilate strictures.
Digestive endoscopy is essential for the early detection of many serious diseases, including colorectal cancer and gastric cancer, significantly improving survival rates.
How is a Gastrointestinal Endoscopy performed
Preparation for a gastrointestinal endoscopy depends on which part of the digestive system will be examined.
For upper endoscopy, fasting is generally recommended to avoid complications and ensure a clear view of the esophagus and stomach.
For colonoscopy, a complete cleansing of the colon is required, achieved through laxative solutions and a specific diet.
Regardless of the type of procedure, sedation or anesthesia is typically used to ensure patient comfort.
The duration of the procedures varies:
Upper endoscopy: approximately 10–30 minutes.
Colonoscopy: approximately 30–60 minutes.
Endoscopy is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can return home the same day without major complications.
Gastrointestinal endoscopy is an essential tool for diagnosing and treating many diseases affecting the digestive system, as it allows for minimally invasive exploration and even enables therapeutic interventions during the same procedure.
Endoscopists Near Me
At the ABC Medical Center’s Endoscopy Center, we have a team of highly trained specialists in gastrointestinal endoscopy, dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for all your gastrointestinal needs.
Our gastrointestinal endoscopists in Mexico City (CDMX) are committed to your well-being and use the latest technology and most advanced treatments to manage conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux, gastrointestinal cancer, gastric ulcers, and more.
