To observe internal tissues or organs in detail, a procedure called endoscopy is carried out. This process can also be done to perform other objectives including minor surgery and imaging. An endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure and will involve body openings like the anus or mouth.

Endoscopies can also be carried out through small incisions in the abdomen or knee. Surgeries that are done through small incisions and done using an endoscope is known as keyhole surgery. Endoscopy cost can vary based on several factors. For instance, endoscopy cost in Singapore can range from $500 to $11,000. 

Modern endoscopy has very few risks and it has been proven very beneficial in various areas of medicine. In the United States alone, over 75 million endoscopies are carried out yearly. There are three primary reasons for endoscopy — treatment, confirmation, and investigation.

Different Types of Endoscopies

Below are some of the different types of endoscopies:

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy – stomach, esophagus, and duodenum
• Anoscopy – anus
• Enteroscopy – small intestine
• Colonoscopy – large intestine (colon)
• Rhinoscopy – nose
• Bronchoscopy – lower respiratory tract
• Otoscopy – ear
• Cystoscopy – urinary tract
• Gynoscopy – female reproductive tract
• Colposcopy – cervix
• Hysteroscopy – uterus
• Laparoscopy – pelvic or abdominal cavity

How to Prepare for an Endoscopy

In most cases, endoscopies won’t require staying in the hospital. Typically, the procedure can be completed in an hour. Your doctor will provide instructions that are specific to your case. For some endoscopies, fasting for 12 hours will be required. For those procedures involving the gut, clearing the system may be required.

Prior to the procedure, your doctor will be asking you about the current medications you are taking. That said, it is crucial that you share all the current medications you are taking including medical and health supplements. You might also be asked about previous procedures you have had.

Endoscopy Procedure

As mentioned earlier, there are three primary reasons for the procedure namely investigation, treatment, and confirmation.

Investigation

If you are experiencing some symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting, breathing disorders, gastrointestinal bleeding, and stomach pain, an endoscopy can be done to determine the cause.

Diagnosis confirmation

The procedure can be done to perform a biopsy and confirm a cancer diagnosis or another specific medical condition.

Treatment

Endoscopies can also be done to directly treat an illness. For instance, it can be done to remove a polyp or cauterize a bleeding vessel.

At times, the procedure can be done together with another procedure like an ultrasound scan. In some cases, it is also used to place an ultrasound probe to certain organs that are difficult to image like the pancreas. Most modern endoscopes have sensitive lights for narrow-band imaging.

Narrow-band imaging makes use of green and blue wavelengths. This would allow doctors to see precancerous conditions more easily. The procedure is also typically done while the patient is conscious. However, in some instances, the patient might be given a local anesthetic that’s sprayed at the back of the throat.

Use of Endoscope in Surgery

Through the years, endoscopy has evolved significantly. The introduction of a modified endoscope has made some forms of surgery less invasive. Nowadays, procedures such as tying and sealing the fallopian tubes, removal of the gallbladder, and the removal of small tumors from the lungs or digestive system has become quite common.

The modified endoscope that is used for keyhole surgery (also known as laparoscopic surgery) is called a laparoscope. This procedure will only require small incisions and has been used for the removal of the uterus, appendix, and the prostate tissue.  With this technique, patients can recover faster and will lose less blood.