Endoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic method that allows for the visual examination of the internal parts of the body during a medical procedure. During this procedure, an endoscope—a flexible, lighted tube—is inserted directly into the body. The endoscope is typically inserted through natural body openings such as the mouth, nose, throat, or anal region, and sometimes through surgical incisions. Today, endoscopy is a widely used method with a high accuracy rate for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and it is one of the fundamental tools of modern medicine.
How Does Endoscopy Work?
There is a camera and a light source at the tip of the endoscope. This camera projects images of internal organs and tissues onto a screen, allowing doctors to view the examination in real-time. Endoscopy is used to examine various internal organs, particularly those of the digestive system (esophagus, stomach, intestines) and the respiratory system (bronchi). Instruments such as biopsy forceps, polyp retrieval snares, cautery, clips, and laser fibers can be passed through the working channel at the tip of the device, allowing therapeutic procedures to be performed in the same session.
Modern endoscopes are equipped with advanced features such as high-definition imaging, zoom, narrow-band imaging (NBI), and chromoendoscopy. These features enable the detection of small lesions that are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye and make early diagnosis possible, especially in cancer screening. Images can be recorded digitally, allowing for the tracking of changes over time.
Types of Endoscopy
- Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy): Used to examine the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum.
- Colonoscopy (Lower Endoscopy): Used to examine the internal parts of the large intestine and rectum.
- Bronchoscopy: Used to examine the organs of the respiratory system (bronchi and lungs).
- Rhinoscopy and Laryngoscopy: Used to examine the nasal cavity and the larynx.
- Cystoscopy: Used to examine the bladder and urinary tract.
- ERCP: Used for the imaging and treatment of the bile and pancreatic ducts.
- Capsule Endoscopy: Used for the non-invasive imaging of the small intestine.
- Enteroscopy: Used for the in-depth examination of the small intestine.
Which Diseases Is It Used For?
- Reflux, gastritis, and stomach ulcers
- Screening for esophageal and stomach cancer
- Detection and removal of polyps and tumors
- Investigation of the causes of chronic abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, and digestive complaints
- Detection and cessation of digestive system bleeding
- Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection
- Evaluation of lung and respiratory tract diseases
- Diagnosis of celiac disease
- Evaluation of inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)
- Foreign body removal
- Feeding tube placement
Advantages of Endoscopy
- Minimally invasive approach that does not create incisions or scars outside the body
- Opportunity for both diagnosis and treatment in the same session
- Ability to examine tissue samples by taking biopsies
- Critical role in early-stage cancer detection
- Fast procedure time and same-day discharge
- Low risk of complications
- Painless application under sedation
- Treatment option that can prevent or delay surgery
- Opportunity for regular follow-up and prevention of disease progression
- Comparison over time through digital recording of images
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy
Endoscopy not only provides a diagnosis but is also used in the treatment of many diseases. Polyp removal, closure of bleeding foci, banding of varices, dilation of strictures, stent placement, and foreign body removal are among the therapeutic procedures that can be performed via endoscopy. Emergency endoscopy can be life-saving, especially in cases of digestive system bleeding. In modern endoscopic practice, advanced techniques such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allow early-stage cancers to be removed without the need for surgery; this enables patients to maintain their quality of life by receiving less invasive treatment.
Procedure Process
Before an endoscopy, the patient must fast for a certain period; generally, 6-8 hours for an upper endoscopy, and bowel preparation is recommended for a colonoscopy. Since the procedure is usually performed under sedation, the patient does not feel pain or discomfort. The endoscope is slowly advanced through the natural body opening, and detailed images are obtained once the target area is reached. Biopsies can be taken from suspicious areas, polyps can be removed if present, or sources of bleeding can be closed. The duration of the procedure varies between 10-45 minutes depending on the type. After the effect of the sedation wears off, the patient is kept under observation and then sent home.
Pathology results are usually ready within a few days. The treatment approach is determined based on the problems identified during the endoscopy. In some cases, endoscopy is repeated at certain intervals for follow-up; this is especially important for patients with Barrett's esophagus, atrophic gastritis, or a history of polyps.
Points to Consider
Endoscopy is generally a safe procedure; however, in rare cases, complications such as bleeding, perforation, infection, or reactions to sedation may occur. Medications used before the procedure, especially blood thinners, allergies, and chronic diseases must be reported to the physician. Due to sedation, one should not drive, make important decisions, or operate machinery on the day of the procedure, and if possible, should be accompanied by a companion. A mild sore throat, bloating, or gas after the procedure is normal and passes quickly. Before endoscopy, antibiotic prophylaxis may be required, especially in patients with heart valve disease or suppressed immune systems. Strict adherence to all preparation instructions provided by the physician is critical for the success and safety of the procedure.
Endoscopy at Koru Hospital
As Koru Hospital, we provide services in our endoscopy unit with our expert teams experienced in gastroenterology, pulmonology, urology, and general surgery. We provide our patients with a safe and comfortable procedure experience through our high-tech high-definition endoscopy systems, NBI and chromoendoscopy features, our automatic disinfection unit that fully complies with hygiene standards, and our experienced anesthesia staff. In all endoscopic interventions, the diagnostic process is kept short with the rapid support of our pathology laboratory, and necessary treatments are coordinated by the same team. Our patients are informed in detail before the procedure, the preparation process is explained step-by-step, and their companions are kept informed at every stage of the process. With our modern patient rooms and competent nursing staff, we ensure that you spend the post-procedure recovery period in the most comfortable way possible. As Koru Hospital, our goal is to detect digestive and respiratory system diseases at an early stage to protect our patients' health and quality of life at the highest level, and to lead them to a healthy future with personalized diagnosis and treatment plans.
