How is it performed? of Endoscopy

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When you undergo an endoscopic examination, you may be given a local anaesthetic or sedative. A flexible endoscope, which is a long bendy viewing tube, is normally be inserted through a natural opening such as the mouth or anus. It is then guided to the area being examined.

A rigid endoscope is a straight metal viewing tube. Examinations using a rigid endoscope are usually carried out under general anaesthetic. The endoscope is inserted through an incision made in the skin. More incisions may then be made if other instruments such as forceps need to be used. The view of the inside of the body can be viewed through an eyepiece on one end of the rigid endoscope.

Before having an endoscope passed through the mouth, you must avoid food for several hours. Food in the stomach can obstruct the doctorâ€™s view. You are usually given laxatives before an endoscope is passed into the rectum and colon.