Endoscopy is a widely used diagnostic tool in modern medicine that allows doctors to view the inside of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract without making large incisions. By using a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera, endoscopy helps detect, evaluate, and sometimes treat various conditions affecting the digestive system. When it comes to colorectal and gastrointestinal health, endoscopy plays a critical role in early diagnosis and accurate treatment planning.
Conditions Diagnosed by Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is used to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It is typically recommended for symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, persistent indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Frequent acid reflux can damage the lining of the oesophagus. Gastroscopy allows doctors to evaluate the extent of the inflammation (oesophagitis) and detect complications like strictures or erosions.
Gastritis and Peptic Ulcers
Gastroscopy is the most direct way to detect inflammation in the stomach lining (gastritis) or ulcers in the stomach or duodenum. It also allows for biopsy to check for Helicobacter pylori infection or rule out cancerous changes.
Oesophageal Varices
Often linked to liver disease, these swollen veins in the oesophagus can rupture and cause serious bleeding. Gastroscopy is essential for early detection and can be used to perform banding procedures to prevent bleeding.
Barrett's Oesophagus
This condition, caused by long-term acid reflux, involves abnormal changes in the cells lining the lower oesophagus. Gastroscopy with biopsy is key for diagnosis and ongoing monitoring to detect early signs of cancerous transformation.
Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
Early-stage stomach cancer often shows few or no symptoms. Gastroscopy can reveal suspicious growths or ulcers, allowing doctors to take biopsies and make a definitive diagnosis.
Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding
If a patient vomits blood or has black, tarry stools, an urgent gastroscopy can help locate and often treat the source of bleeding, whether from ulcers, varices, or tumours.
Conditions Diagnosed by Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is used to view the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It is commonly recommended for individuals with changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, or as part of routine screening for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal Polyps and Cancer
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for detecting and removing polyps—small growths that may turn cancerous over time. Detecting these early significantly lowers the risk of colorectal cancer.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cause chronic inflammation in the colon. Colonoscopy allows direct visualisation of inflammation, ulceration, and narrowing. Tissue samples are often taken for accurate diagnosis and disease monitoring.
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis refers to small pouches that form in the colon wall. If they become inflamed, the condition is known as diverticulitis. Colonoscopy can detect the presence of diverticula, though it is usually performed after acute inflammation has subsided to avoid risks.
Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Colonoscopy helps identify causes of bleeding from the colon, such as diverticula, IBD, polyps, or colorectal cancer. It is especially useful for patients with unexplained anaemia or visible blood in the stool.
Benefits of an Endoscopy
An endoscopic procedure offers several advantages, such as:
- Enhanced Accuracy: The direct visualisation of the GI tract provides a more accurate diagnosis of conditions, particularly in their early stages, than other imaging tests like X-rays.
- Minimally Invasive: An endoscopic procedure offers fewer risks and lower downtime. Patients may experience mild side effects after an endoscopy, such as bloating and gas, cramping, and a sore throat, which subside after a few days.
- Therapeutic Purposes: Beyond diagnosis, endoscopy may also be used for treatment. For instance, doctors can pass specialised tools through the endoscope to remove polyps.
The Importance of Timely Evaluation
Digestive symptoms like persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or rectal bleeding should not be ignored. Endoscopy offers a safe, direct way to examine the gastrointestinal tract and is often more accurate than imaging tests alone. In many cases, it also allows for immediate therapeutic intervention—whether it is removing a polyp, stopping bleeding, or taking a biopsy.
If you are experiencing ongoing digestive symptoms or are due for screening, consult a healthcare professional. A timely endoscopic evaluation could be the first step toward better health—and peace of mind.
FAQs about Endoscopy
How long does an endoscopy procedure take?
A routine endoscopy usually takes 15 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on the type and complexity of the procedure.
Is it safe to undergo multiple endoscopic procedures?
Generally, it is safe to undergo multiple endoscopic procedures when medically necessary. However, several factors should be considered, such as the time between procedures and the patient's overall health.
Your doctor will carefully assess whether multiple procedures are necessary, and may also explore alternative or combined approaches to minimise interventions and potential complications.
What symptoms warrant an endoscopy?
When unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms persist, a doctor may order an endoscopy to identify the underlying cause. These symptoms may include:
- Ongoing abdominal discomfort
- Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
- Trouble swallowing (also known as dysphagia)
- Alterations in bowel patterns
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
How soon will I get my results from an endoscopy?
In many cases, your doctor can share preliminary findings from the endoscopy immediately after the procedure. However, if a biopsy or tissue sample is taken, you may need to wait for a few days to a week to receive the complete results.