Overview
Endoscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of the body with a small camera attached to a tube. It may be used to look at the digestive tract, airways, bladder, joints, or other areas. Depending on the type, it can help diagnose a problem, collect a biopsy, remove a growth, stop bleeding, or treat a blockage. The exact steps, preparation, and recovery time depend on which type of endoscopy is being done.
Key Symptoms
Endoscopy itself is not a symptom or disease, but it may be recommended when a person has warning signs that need closer examination. Examples include trouble swallowing, ongoing stomach pain, vomiting blood, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, long-lasting heartburn, changes in bowel habits, or coughing up blood. It may also be used when imaging tests or lab results need follow-up. In some situations, endoscopy is done even when there are no symptoms, such as for colorectal cancer screening.
Who Is Affected
People of many ages may need endoscopy, depending on the reason for the test. Adults are commonly offered endoscopy for digestive symptoms or cancer screening, while children may also need it for certain conditions. People with a personal or family history of digestive disease, bleeding, polyps, ulcers, or cancer may be more likely to be referred. Access and the type of test offered can vary by country, healthcare system, and available equipment.
Prevention
Endoscopy is not usually something that can be prevented because it is a diagnostic or treatment procedure rather than a disease. However, following screening programs, such as colorectal cancer screening where available, can help find problems early. Reducing risk factors for digestive disease, such as smoking and heavy alcohol use, may lower the chance of needing some types of endoscopy. It is also important to follow the preparation instructions carefully so the test can be completed accurately and may not need to be repeated.
Diagnosis and Tests
Different endoscopy procedures examine different parts of the body. Examples include upper endoscopy for the food pipe, stomach, and first part of the small intestine; colonoscopy for the large bowel; bronchoscopy for the airways; and cystoscopy for the bladder. Before the test, you may be asked not to eat or drink for a period of time, or to use a bowel-cleansing preparation. During the procedure, medicines may be used to numb the area or help you relax, and samples or small treatments may be done through the scope.
Treatment Categories
Some endoscopies are purely diagnostic, meaning they are used to look for a cause of symptoms. Others can also be therapeutic, which means they can be used to remove polyps, widen a narrowed area, stop bleeding, remove swallowed objects, or place small devices such as stents. What is possible depends on the body area being examined and the equipment available. Your healthcare team can explain whether your procedure is expected to be diagnostic, therapeutic, or both.
Living With It
Most people go home the same day after many common endoscopy procedures, although some tests require longer observation. Mild bloating, gas, a sore throat, or tiredness can happen for a short time afterward, depending on the procedure and any medicines used. If you received sedation, you may need someone to accompany you home and you may be told not to drive or make important decisions for a period of time. Ask your care team when you can return to work, eating, exercise, and regular medicines.
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact a healthcare professional if you have questions about how to prepare, what medicines to stop or continue, or what to expect after the procedure. After an endoscopy, seek medical advice if you develop fever, worsening pain, ongoing vomiting, trouble swallowing, black stools, bleeding, dizziness, or symptoms that do not improve as expected. Also get medical advice if you were unable to complete the preparation instructions, because the test may need to be adjusted or rescheduled.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help right away if you have severe chest pain, severe belly pain, trouble breathing, fainting, heavy bleeding from the mouth or rectum, or vomit that looks like blood after an endoscopy. These symptoms can be signs of a serious complication and should not be ignored. If emergency services are available in your area, use them.
Questions to Ask a Healthcare Professional
You may want to ask why the endoscopy is being recommended, what part of the body will be examined, and whether a biopsy or treatment might be done at the same time. Ask how to prepare, whether you need to stop any medicines, what type of pain relief or sedation may be used, and how long recovery may take. It can also help to ask about possible complications, when results will be available, and what symptoms after the test should prompt urgent medical care.