At NIHS Clinic, we offer state-of-the-art Endoscopy Services to diagnose and manage various gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to view the inside of your body using a flexible tube with a camera at its tip, known as an endoscope. This procedure provides high-definition images of the digestive tract and other internal structures, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

What is Endoscopy? Endoscopy involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera (endoscope) into the body through natural openings such as the mouth or rectum. The camera transmits real-time images to a monitor, enabling the physician to closely examine the internal organs and tissues. The procedure can be both diagnostic, identifying issues such as ulcers, polyps, or cancers, and therapeutic, allowing for interventions like biopsy, polyp removal, or bleeding control.

Types of Endoscopy Services at NIHS Clinic:

1. Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy (Gastroscopy):

   • Purpose: Examines the upper part of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).

   • Uses: Diagnoses conditions such as acid reflux, ulcers, gastritis, celiac disease, and esophageal cancer. Allows for biopsy, removal of polyps, and treatment of bleeding lesions.

2. Colonoscopy:

   • Purpose: Visualizes the inside of the colon (large intestine) and rectum.

   • Uses: Screens for colorectal cancer, identifies and removes polyps, diagnoses inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), and investigates causes of abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

3. Sigmoidoscopy:

   • Purpose: Examines the sigmoid colon and rectum, which are the lower parts of the large intestine.

   • Uses: Similar to a colonoscopy but focuses on the lower bowel. Used to screen for colorectal cancer, diagnose diverticulitis, and evaluate other causes of lower abdominal symptoms.

4. Bronchoscopy:

   • Purpose: Visualizes the airways and lungs.

   • Uses: Diagnoses lung diseases, infections, tumors, and chronic cough. Allows for biopsy of lung tissue, removal of foreign bodies, and treatment of airway obstructions.

5. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP):

   • Purpose: Combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to examine the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder.

   • Uses: Diagnoses and treats conditions like gallstones, bile duct obstructions, pancreatic cancer, and chronic pancreatitis. ERCP can also be used to place stents and take tissue samples.

Preparation:

• Upper GI Endoscopy:

  • Preparation: You will need to fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure to ensure an empty stomach for clear imaging. Your doctor may also instruct you to stop certain medications before the procedure.

• Colonoscopy/Sigmoidoscopy:

  • Preparation: Requires bowel preparation to clear the colon. This typically involves a special diet, fasting, and taking a prescribed laxative solution the day before the procedure. Clear instructions will be provided to ensure thorough cleansing of the bowel.

• Bronchoscopy:

  • Preparation: Similar to upper GI endoscopy, fasting is required for a few hours before the procedure. You may need to adjust medications based on your doctor's advice.

• ERCP:

  • Preparation: Fasting for at least 6-8 hours is required. Your doctor will provide specific instructions regarding any medication adjustments.

Procedure Details:

• Process:

  • Sedation: Endoscopy procedures are usually performed under sedation to ensure comfort. You may receive either conscious sedation (you’re awake but relaxed) or general anesthesia (you’re fully asleep), depending on the procedure.

  • Insertion: The endoscope is gently inserted through the mouth (for upper GI endoscopy or bronchoscopy) or the rectum (for colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy). ERCP involves the insertion through the mouth into the duodenum.

  • Imaging and Treatment: The doctor will guide the endoscope to the area of interest, capturing images and possibly taking tissue samples (biopsy) or performing treatments like polyp removal or stent placement.

  • Duration: The procedure typically lasts between 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity.

• Comfort: Thanks to sedation, most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. Post-procedure, you may experience mild bloating, cramping, or a sore throat, which typically resolves within a few hours.

Safety and Risks:

• Safety: Endoscopy is a generally safe procedure with minimal risks. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks, including reactions to sedation, bleeding (especially if a biopsy or polyp removal is performed), or, rarely, perforation of the examined organ.

• Risks: Your healthcare provider will discuss potential risks with you beforehand and take precautions to minimize them.

Post-Procedure:

• Recovery: After the procedure, you will be monitored until the effects of the sedation wear off. You’ll need someone to drive you home. Mild side effects like bloating or a sore throat may occur but should resolve quickly.

• Results: The images and any biopsy results will be reviewed by your doctor. Depending on the findings, your doctor will discuss the results with you, typically within a few days to a week.

• Follow-Up: Based on the results, your healthcare provider may recommend further tests, treatments, or lifestyle changes. If any abnormal tissue was found, additional procedures might be necessary.

Benefits:

• Accurate Diagnosis: Provides a clear view of internal organs, helping diagnose conditions that other imaging tests might miss.

• Minimally Invasive: Unlike surgical procedures, endoscopy is less invasive, has a quicker recovery time, and can often be done on an outpatient basis.

• Therapeutic Capabilities: Beyond diagnosis, endoscopy can be used to perform treatments, such as removing polyps, stopping bleeding, or placing stents.

For comprehensive and advanced diagnostic care, trust the Endoscopy Services at NIHS Clinic. Contact us today to schedule your appointment or learn more about how we can assist in managing your gastrointestinal or respiratory health.