What is Endoscopy? How is it Performed and Who is it Performed on?
The path to accurate diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases often involves modern imaging techniques. Endoscopy is one of the most reliable methods used to determine the causes of stomach and intestinal problems. Today, it is widely used for both early diagnosis and certain treatment purposes.
What is endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at its tip to visualize the internal structures of the digestive system. It is commonly used to examine the esophagus, stomach, duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), and the large intestine. This allows diseases to be detected early and a treatment plan to be made quickly.
Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are the most frequently used types of endoscopy.
Gastroscopy visualizes the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum.
Colonoscopy examines the large intestine and rectum.
Modern endoscopy equipment records high-resolution images during the procedure and, if necessary, biopsies can be taken for laboratory examination.
When is endoscopy performed?
Endoscopy is applied for the diagnosis of many digestive system-related health problems. Endoscopy is recommended in the following situations:
Persistent stomach pain or indigestion
Suspected chronic reflux or gastritis
Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of something stuck in the throat
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Positive fecal occult blood test (hidden blood in the stool)
Chronic diarrhea or constipation
Suspected ulcer or polyp
Early detection of digestive system cancers
Follow-up of chronic intestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease
If one or more of these symptoms are present, a gastroenterology specialist should be consulted.
Who is endoscopy performed for?
Endoscopy is generally performed on people with digestive system complaints. However, it may also be recommended as a regular screening procedure for individuals with certain risk factors even if they have no symptoms. These risk factors include:
A family history of stomach or intestinal cancer
Age over 50
Chronic stomach diseases
History of polyps
When is endoscopy not appropriate?
Endoscopy may not be suitable in some conditions, such as:
Severe heart and lung diseases
Advanced coagulation (bleeding) disorders
Late-stage pregnancy
Note: The decision to perform endoscopy should always be made by a specialist physician. The patient’s overall health and existing conditions must be taken into consideration.
What are the types of endoscopy?
Endoscopy is named according to the area being examined. The most common types are:
Gastroscopy: Visualizes the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum.
Colonoscopy: Examines the large intestine and rectum.
Sigmoidoscopy: Evaluates the lower part of the colon.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): Used to image the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts.
Each type is chosen based on the patient’s complaints and the physician’s assessment.
How is endoscopy performed?
Endoscopy is performed under sterile conditions in modern hospitals, usually with sedation or light anesthesia. The step-by-step procedure is as follows:
Patient preparation:
Stop eating and drinking 6–8 hours before the procedure.
Some medications may be paused under a doctor’s supervision.
Sedation:
Light sedation is given for the patient’s comfort during the procedure.
The patient usually does not feel pain or discomfort during the examination.
Insertion of the device:
The endoscope is carefully inserted through the mouth or the anus (depending on the procedure).
The digestive tract is examined in detail using the images from the camera.
Imaging and biopsy:
Suspicious areas are inspected.
If necessary, biopsies are taken for pathological examination.
Completion of the procedure:
The endoscope is withdrawn and the patient is taken to a recovery area.
The patient is monitored until the effects of sedation wear off.
How long does endoscopy take?
The duration of the endoscopy procedure varies depending on the type of procedure and the patient’s condition.
Gastroscopy: Approximately 10–15 minutes
Colonoscopy: Approximately 20–30 minutes
If sedation is used, post-procedure recovery time typically ranges from 1 to 2 hours.
Factors that affect procedure time:
The type of endoscopy performed
Whether a biopsy is taken
Anatomical variations in the digestive tract
Frequently Asked Questions about Endoscopy
No. Thanks to sedation or local anesthesia, pain is not felt during endoscopy. Mild sore throat or gas/bloating may occur afterward.
Generally, you can resume daily activities the same day. However, if you received sedation, driving is not recommended afterward.
When performed by an experienced team in a sterile environment, the risk is minimal. Rare complications such as bleeding or infection may occur.
A fasting period of 6–8 hours is generally recommended. Do not eat or drink during this time.
You can usually begin with light foods a few hours after the procedure. It is important to follow the diet plan recommended by your physician.
