Endoscopy is an examination method performed by a doctor using an endoscope. Areas inside the human body that cannot be seen from the outside are examined. If possible, natural body openings are used for this purpose. This means that no tissue incisions are necessary. In some cases, endoscopy can also be used to perform procedures directly.
Here you will find further information and selected endoscopy specialists and centers.
An endoscope consists of a flexible rubber tube or a rigid metal tube. The doctor inserts this instrument into a body cavity or hollow organ.
At the end of the endoscope are
These instruments can be used to illuminate the area being examined and make it visible by means of magnification. The image from the camera is transmitted to a monitor outside the body. This allows the doctor to view the exact area being examined.
With the help of an irrigation and suction device, tissue samples can be taken or small interventions performed. This is done with special instruments that are inserted via integrated channels.
Rigid endoscopes are particularly suitable for artificially created body openings. Flexible endoscopes are used for all natural body openings.
Flexible endoscope © en:User:Kalumet - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
An endoscopy is always useful if a diagnosis inside the body cannot be made using other imaging procedures. A direct view of the area to be examined can help the doctor to make a diagnosis. Taking a tissue sample for subsequent examination is often used to diagnose cancer.
Endoscopy is also helpful for removing diseased tissue. During a colonoscopy, which is also a form of endoscopy, intestinal polyps, for example, can be removed directly.
Among other things, an endoscopy is performed
The methods and framework conditions vary depending on which cavity and which organ is to be examined. There are some areas of the body where endoscopy proves to be particularly beneficial.
Thoracoscopy enables the chest cavity or thoracic cavity (thorax) to be examined. The thorax is lined by the pleura, whereby it is also possible to examine the surface of the lungs and the pleura. This is done under general anesthesia.
The endoscope is inserted through a small incision in the neck above the sternum.
During bronchoscopy (lung endoscopy), an endoscope is inserted through the windpipe into the bronchi of the lungs.
Depending on the intensity of the procedure and the patient's wishes, this examination can be performed under local or general anesthesia. A sedative is injected beforehand.
If the stomach is examined endoscopically, this is called a gastroscopy.
While the flexible tube is inserted into the stomach through the mouth and throat, a gag reflex may occur. To counteract this reflex, a local anaesthetic is regularly administered. Some patients wish to be given a sedative or a short general anesthetic.
The so-called colonoscopy takes place in the large intestine. Before the endoscopic examination, the bowel must be emptied for several hours with the help of a laxative.
The colonoscopy can be performed
Many patients find rectoscopy and proctoscopy unpleasant. However, they usually tolerate them well without prior anesthesia.
Endoscopy in the abdominal cavity is also known as laparoscopy or abdominal endoscopy. A general anesthetic is used here.
A tiny incision is made next to the navel, through which the endoscope is passed into the abdominal cavity. The abdomen is inflated to give the doctor a clear view of the inside.
Laparoscopy is now used to remove adhesions in the abdominal cavity and inflamed appendixes. Laparoscopy is also the method of choice for
Using the finest instruments, endoscopy is also used for joint problems(arthroscopy). It is used for complaints or interventions
are used.
In this respect, arthroscopy is primarily used for therapeutic purposes.
Only in rare cases can complications arise in connection with endoscopy. This applies, for example, to bleeding caused by removed tissue. They are usually stopped during the examination.
Only in exceptional cases do infections or respiratory and cardiovascular disorders occur. They are usually due to sedatives and painkillers administered beforehand.
Whether a sick note is required depends on the extent of the endoscopic examination and the type of anaesthetic. In principle, however, it is up to the treating doctor to decide whether a sick note is required and for how long.
As a rule, however, doctors do not require a sick note for an outpatient procedure.
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