Endoscopy - Crawfurd Hospital

About Endoscopy

Endoscopy involves placement of a tube with light and camera features into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to observe for any abnormalities along the linings. Other special tools can be slided through the tube to perform other functions including removal of polyps or abnormal growth along the GI tract or getting biological samples for biopsy.

Our doctors can perform the following endoscopic procedures:

● Diagnostic and therapeutic upper GI endoscopy
● Diagnostic and therapeutic flexible sigmoidoscopy
● Diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy

Diagnostic Endoscopy

In diagnostic endoscopy, the main purpose of the procedure is to observe the GI tract for any abnormalities, be it for growth, perforations or signs of cancerous tissues to name a few. The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s tolerability and doctor’s assessment. Pre-medications such as laxatives may be prescribed to clear the bowels before the procedure to improve clarity of images viewed during procedure.

In the endoscopy room, after the relevant preparations, a tube will be inserted into the mouth or the anus, depending on the procedure chosen and areas for observation. Fiber optics technology is used to transmit live imaging data for the doctor to observe and manipulate the tools as well as the GI tract for any abnormalities. If needed, tools can be fixed on to assist in taking tissue samples to be tested, a process known as biopsy. The procedure can usually be completed within 20-30mins.