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| Endoscopy Procedures |
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| What
Is Endoscopy? |
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| Endoscopy is a procedure in which a flexible fibre-optic
tube, called an endoscope, is passed into the gastrointestinal tract
(GIT). |
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| The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) |
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The endoscope sends images of the inside of the
GIT to a video-screen. During endoscopy, the doctor is able to visually
examine the oesophagus (food-pipe), stomach, parts of the small intestine,
the colon and rectum. The doctor is also able to perform a biopsy
or other minor procedure using fine instruments inserted through the
endoscope.
Endoscopy includes gastroscopy, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. For
gastroscopy, the instrument used is called a gastroscope. A colonoscope
is used for sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. |
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| Endoscopy is generally performed for patients with
the following complaints: |
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Persistent abdominal pain. |
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Prolonged symptoms of bloatedness, nausea, vomiting. |
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Severe or frequent heartburn. |
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Difficulty in swallowing. |
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Vomiting blood, or coffee-ground materials. |
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Passing of black, or "tarry" stools. |
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Loss of appetite/weight without known reason. |
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Change in bowel habits. |
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Passing of stool with blood. |
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