Types of endoscopy: a patient’s guide

If you have symptoms that may be related to stomach cancer, your doctor will likely refer you for a stomach endoscopy, a typically non-surgical procedure that allows surgeons to clearly view, test, and even treat the internal organs in a way that is easier and less invasive than surgery. 

Here we will look at what endoscopy is, what it can detect and correct, what different types exist, and what you need to know if you are going to undergo the procedure. 

What is endoscopy and what is it used for?

An endoscopy is a medical procedure for viewing internal organs without the need for surgery. Using a flexible fiberoptic tube with a lighted camera at the end, a doctor can see clear images on a video monitor.

Not only is endoscopy used to view internal organs, it can also provide access to those organs for testing and treatment. Endoscopes can incorporate tools such as forceps or brushes for collecting tissue or cell samples for analysis and diagnosis. 

In diagnosing stomach cancer, for instance, forceps on the endoscope can be used to collect material for biopsy. An endoscope can also be used to administer laser therapy to destroy cancer cells. 

Types of endoscopy and how they are done

Endoscopy is most commonly associated with the digestive tract—the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. The endoscope is inserted via the mouth to examine the esophagus and stomach, or via the rectum to examine the intestines. A stomach endoscope can also be inserted via a small incision in the navel. This procedure is known as laparoscopy.

However, endoscopes are also used in many kinds of diagnoses and treatments. They can also be used to examine the ear, nose, throat, lungs, urinary tract, bladder, vagina, joints, and even areas of the brain. The type of endoscopy used depends on the procedure and what part of the body is being examined. 

Some of the most common types of endoscopy include:

• Colonoscopy: an endoscope is passed the full length of the colon, via the anus, and is used to diagnose colon conditions, detect evidence of colon cancer, and remove precancerous polyps before they develop. Similar procedures include anoscopy, which examines the anus or rectum, and proctoscopy, which looks at the lower (sigmoid) colon.
• Gastroscopy: also known as EGD, is a type of endoscopy procedure that can examine and treat conditions in the esophagus, stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and along the upper gastrointestinal tract. 
• Cystoscopy is used to look for conditions such as interstitial cystitis and bladder cancer. The endoscope is inserted through the urethra.
• Arthroscopy: This procedure uses a rigid endoscope to diagnose and treat joint conditions such as arthritis. It is inserted through a tiny incision in the skin over the joint.
• Bronchoscopy: Here, an endoscope is passed down the windpipe, or trachea, and into the bronchial tubes that lead to the lungs, to look for tumors and carry out biopsies. Similarly, a laryngoscopy examines the voicebox, or larynx, for polyps or laryngeal cancer. 
• Laparoscopy: In this procedure, the endoscope is inserted through a small surgical incision in the skin, allowing direct access to the abdominal or pelvic organs, such as the stomach, liver, and female reproductive organs. 

When you are being assessed for possible stomach cancer, the types of endoscopy that you are likely to have are gastroscopy or laparoscopy. In addition, an endoscopic ultrasound, where the endoscope passed along the GI tract emits sound waves, can be used to detect cancer in the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas.   

Why you may need a stomach endoscopy

There are a number of reasons your doctor may recommend an endoscopy. Endoscopy is useful for:

• explaining symptoms 
• diagnosing diseases 
• screening for, preventing, and treating cancer

Your doctor may refer you for stomach endoscopy if you have any of the following symptoms: 

• Abdominal or chest pain
• A bitter taste in your mouth
• Excessive or unusual burping or vomiting (especially with blood)
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing 
• Weight loss

How to prepare for an endoscopy

If you are going to have an endoscopy, you should fast for six to eight hours so that your stomach is empty and clear of food residue. This allows for clearer imaging of the stomach wall. 

For a bowel endoscope, you will also need a laxative treatment prior to the procedure.

If you have been prescribed blood-thinning medicines, you should stop taking these several days before the procedure, as advised by your doctor, to reduce the risk of bleeding.

How is a stomach endoscopy done?

Before the procedure, the doctor will numb the back of your throat with a spray and may give you an intravenous sedative. Your blood pressure and pulse will be checked and monitored throughout the procedure. 

For the test, you lie on your left side. A nurse will put a mouth guard into your mouth, and the endoscope will be passed down your throat. Although this may be uncomfortable and make you gag, it is not painful and you will be able to breathe normally. Afterward, your throat may feel sore and you may feel bloated. 

What are the risks?

There are relatively few complications that may occur during endoscopy. Occasionally, the scope may cause bleeding or a tear in the tissue of the organ being studied. However, with gastroscopy, complications are more likely if you have a major existing condition such as a bleeding ulcer or a large tumor. 

In addition, patients may experience adverse reactions to the sedation medication, especially patients with underlying heart or lung disease.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after an endoscopy procedure:

• Fever
• Vomiting or abnormal stools
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe abdominal pain

How long does a stomach endoscopy take?

Different types of endoscopy will take different lengths of time. A stomach endoscopy takes between 30 minutes and an hour to complete, depending on whether samples need to be taken. Afterward, you will need to be observed in the recovery area for about an hour. 

How long does it take to receive endoscopy results?

The endoscopy team will tell you how it went after the procedure, and if any biopsies or samples were taken. You should receive your results between a few days and two weeks after the procedure. When your doctor receives the results, they will discuss them, and any further procedures or treatment, with you.   

Final words

Stomach endoscopy is an extremely useful diagnostic tool for getting to the root of any symptoms of concern with a short and relatively non-invasive procedure. If you have any gastrointestinal symptoms that may require an endoscopy, don’t hesitate to talk to your physician.