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Endoscopy

The main role of endoscopy is to allow the doctor to directly visualize the inside of hollow organs (such as the digestive tract) using a flexible tube equipped with a camera, in order to diagnose pathologies (ulcers, inflammations, polyps, cancer), take biopsies for analysis, remove abnormalities (polyps, foreign bodies), control bleeding and monitor the effectiveness of treatments, thus acting as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.

 

Diagnostic functions

  • Detailed observation: Check the condition of the mucous membranes (irritations, inflammation, ulcers).

  • Anomaly detection: Identify tumors, polyps, hernias.

  • Investigating causes: Finding the origin of bleeding, pain, swallowing problems or bowel movement disorders.

  • Staging assessment: Determining the extent of a cancer.

 

Therapeutic functions (Interventional endoscopy)

  • Biopsy: Taking tissue samples for analysis.

  • Removal of abnormalities: Removing polyps ( polypectomy ) or other masses.

  • Controlling bleeding: Stopping a hemorrhage.

  • Unblocking: Clearing an obstruction.

  • Treatment monitoring: Checking the effectiveness of a treatment, particularly for cancer or the eradication of bacteria such as H. pylori.

 

 

Common types of endoscopies

  • Gastroscopy or upper digestive endoscopy : Exploration of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (beginning of the small intestine) via the mouth.

 

  • Colonoscopy or lower digestive endoscopy : Exploration of the rectum and colon via the anus.

Long colonoscopy

INTRODUCTION:

  • It is used to visualize the entire large intestine (colon and terminal ileum) to diagnose, screen for, and treat abnormalities, particularly precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer. Its role is therefore diagnostic (identifying bleeding, pain, inflammatory diseases), preventive (removing polyps), and therapeutic (biopsies, coagulation of lesions).

  • Main roles

  • Colorectal cancer screening: Identifying and removing polyps before they become cancerous.

  • Diagnosis: Investigate the cause of symptoms (bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain).

  • Disease monitoring: Monitoring chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

  • Treatment: Removing polyps (polypectomy) or performing biopsies (tissue sampling).

  • Features

  • Complete exploration: Unlike other examinations, it allows us to see all the way to the end of the small intestine (ileum).

  • Interventional: It goes beyond observation to directly treat abnormalities.

  • Preparation required: Requires rigorous bowel cleansing for optimal visualization.

 

 

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