About Us | Privacy | Site Map
Font Size
A
A
A


Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Introduction

With the procedure known as gastrointestinal endoscopy, a doctor is able to see the inside lining of your digestive tract. This examination is performed using an endoscope-a flexible fiberoptic tube with a tiny TV camera at the end. The camera is connected to either an eyepiece for direct viewing or a video screen that displays the images on a color TV. The endoscope not only allows diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) disease but treatment as well.

  • Current endoscopes are derived from a primitive system created in 1806-a tiny tube with a mirror and a wax candle. Although crude, this early instrument allowed a first view into a living body.

  • The GI endoscopy procedure may be performed on either an outpatient or inpatient basis. Through the endoscope, a doctor can evaluate several problems, such as ulcers or muscle spasms. These concerns are not always seen on other imaging tests.

  • Endoscopy has several names, depending on which portion of your digestive tract your doctor seeks to inspect.

    • Colonoscopy: This procedure enables the doctor to see ulcers, inflamed mucous lining of your intestine, abnormal growths and bleeding in your colon, or large bowel.

    • Enteroscopy: Enteroscopy is a recent diagnostic tool that allows a doctor to see your small bowel. The procedure may be used in the following ways:

      • To diagnose and treat hidden GI bleeding

      • To detect the cause for malabsorption

      • To confirm problems of the small bowel seen on an x-ray

      • During surgery, to locate and remove sores with little damage to healthy tissue

  • Doctors do have other diagnostic tests besides GI endoscopy, including echography to study the upper abdomen and a barium enema and other x-ray exams that outline the digestive tract. Doctors can study the stomach juices, stools, and blood to learn about GI functions. But none of these tests offers a direct vision of the mucous lining of the digestive tube.

  • Endoscopy has little value for people with the following conditions:



Next: Risks »

Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

GI Disorders

Get the latest treatment options.

Are you Depressed? Find Out Now


Endoscopy

Peptic Ulcers Overview

In the digestive system, an ulcer is an area where tissue has been destroyed by gastric juices and stomach acid. Peptic ulcer disease is a general term for ulcers that occur in the stomach or duodenum (upper part of the small intestine).

  • A peptic ulcer is an erosion or sore in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract.

  • The mucous membrane lining the digestive tract erodes and causes a gradual breakdown of tissue.

  • This breakdown causes a gnawing or burning pain in the upper middle part of the belly (abdomen).

  • Although most peptic ulcers are small, they can cause a considerable amount of discomfort.

Peptic ulcers are a very common condition in the United States and throughout the world.

  • In the United States, an estimated 25 million people will suffer an ulcer at some point. That's 1 in 10 people.

  • Ab...

Read the Peptic Ulcers article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Middle Ear Endoscopy »

Mer, in 1967, was the first to describe use of an endoscope to view the anatomy of the middle ear.

Read More on eMedicine »

Medical Dictionary