Gastrointestinal endoscopies are medical procedures that allow doctors to examine the digestive system using flexible cameras and specialized medical instruments, which are inserted through a natural opening (such as the mouth or anus) or through a small incision in the skin. These procedures help diagnose and treat many medical conditions without the need for major surgical incisions.
Types of Gastrointestinal Endoscopies:
- Gastroscopy: Used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It is mainly used to detect stomach ulcers, gastritis, or stomach cancer.
- Colonoscopy: Used to examine the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It is used to diagnose colon tumors, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease and can also remove benign tumors.
- Enteroscopy: Used to examine the lower parts of the small intestine, which are difficult to reach using standard endoscopy.