Endoscopy is a procedure for visually examining hollow organs. Endoscopy is a general term; the actual name of the procedure varies depending on the organ being examined. For example, examining the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum together is called gastroscopy. Endoscopy performed on the large intestine is called colonoscopy.
Endoscopy procedures are performed under sedation, a state of conscious sleep. The patient is conscious but in a semi-sleep state and therefore does not experience discomfort. They remember nothing after the procedure.
Gastroscopy
In gastroscopy, a lighted and flexible instrument is inserted through the mouth and can reach down to the duodenum. So, which diseases are diagnosed using gastroscopy?
- In diseases affecting the esophagus (difficulty swallowing, burning and pain in the back of the chest, bitter taste in the mouth, etc.)
- In diseases affecting the stomach and duodenum (burning, pain, heartburn in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, anemia resistant to treatment, unexplained weight loss, etc.)
- In upper digestive system bleeding (manifested as fresh blood coming from the mouth, vomiting resembling coffee grounds, or black stools)
- In the diagnosis of esophageal, stomach, and duodenal cancers
- In the detection of ulcers, inflamed areas, and small tumors
- In widening strictures and removing polyps (fleshy protrusions) without surgery
- In removing swallowed foreign objects
- Gastroscopy is preferred for bleeding control.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is used to diagnose and, if necessary, treat problems in the large intestine through the rectum. A flexible endoscope, longer than a gastroscopy, is inserted through the rectum. Diseases related to the large intestine are investigated by observing a distance of approximately 20-120 cm. In which cases is a colonoscopy used?
- Bleeding in the stool,
- Black stools
- Anemia that does not respond to treatment
- Changes in stool shape such as flattening
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Colonoscopy is used in cases of prolonged diarrhea and constipation.
- Colonoscopy is also important in the early diagnosis and treatment of intestinal pellets.
- Individuals aged 50 and over who have no complaints should have a colonoscopy every 5 years. Because colon cancer is a treatable disease when diagnosed early.
What is Rectosigmoidoscopy?
Rectosigmoidoscopy is a shortened form of colonoscopy. It is a procedure that examines the last 60 cm of the large intestine. This section is called the sigmoid colon because of its resemblance to the letter “S”. Unlike colonoscopy, there is no need for preparation the day before the procedure. It is sufficient to cleanse the bowels with an enema in the hospital. It is a 5-minute procedure. It is recommended for young patients with typical hemorrhoidal or fissure (crack, tear) bleeding.
