Common Endoscopic Procedures
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that is used to detect abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During the exam, a gastroenterologist will insert the endoscope into the rectum to examine the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The colonoscopy can reveal irritated and swollen tissue, ulcers and polyps.
Your physician may recommend a colonoscoypy if you are experiencing changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus and/or weight loss. A colonoscopy is also used as a screening test for colon cancer.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an exam that allows your physician to view the rectum and lower (sigmoid) colon. During the exam, the gastroenterologist will insert the endoscope into the rectum to examine these parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The flexible sigmoidoscopy can reveal irritated and swollen tissue, ulcers and polyps.
Your physician may recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy if you are experiencing changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus and/or weight loss.
Esophagogastroduodenos (EGD)
A esophagogastroduodenos (EGD), or upper GI endoscopy, is an exam of the upper digestive tract. During the exam, the gastroenterologist will insert the endoscope through the mouth to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach and duodenal portion of the small intestine. The upper GI endoscopy can show abnormal growths, obstructions, gastroesophageal reflus, hiatal hernia, tumors, inflammation or swelling, precancerous cells and ulcers.
Your physician may recommend an upper GI endoscopy if you are experiencing abdominal pain, anemia, bleeding in the upper GI tract, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing and/or unexplained weight loss.
Bronchoscopy
A bronchoscopy is an endoscopic technique used to view the inside of a patient’s airway. During the exam, the physician will insert a bronchoscope into the airway through the nose or mouth to examine the patient’s throat, larnyx, trachia and lower airways. The bronchoscopy can show foreign bodies, bleeding, tumors and inflammation.
Your physician may recommend a bronchoscopy if you are experiencing bleeding in the lungs, a chronic cough or trouble breathing, or if you have inhaled a toxic gas or chemical. It also used to diagnose and determine the extent of lung cancer and other lung diseases. In children, bronchoscopy is most often used to remove a foreign object from the airway.