Endoscopy

It is a screening procedure which involves the use of a flexible tube-like instrument called ‘endoscope’ that is introduced into the stomach via mouth, in order to examine the gastric tissue, and the presence of any abnormal mass, ulcer, inflammation or polyps. For the procedure, it is important that the G.I tract remain clean and free of foods. Hence, eating and drinking is prohibited 8 hours prior to the performance of the procedure. Patient will be given sedatives to bear the discomfort that may take place during the endoscopic procedure. The doctor introduces the endoscope into the mouth of the patient, and slowly slides it down through their esophagus, stomach, and finally into the duodenum. A small camera at the other end of the endoscope transmits images of the G.I tract wall. The patient may be required to stay in the hospital for some time until the affects of the sedative wear off. Once gag reflex ends, normal diet can be resumed.

For more details refer to brochures

Colonoscopy

It is a medical procedure that involves screening of whole of the colon. The procedure is performed for early screening of colorectal cancer. It is also performed in order to evaluate the etiology behind unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, pain, blood in stool or rectal bleeding, etc.

Preparation for Colonoscopy :

Before starting the procedure, your doctor shall explain you all the steps that would take place during colonoscopy. You shall be given a liquid diet which you ought to follow for 1-3 days before the procedure (as the doctor guides). You may be asked to take a laxative a night before the procedure, so that your colon gets cleansed prior to the insertion of the colonoscope. You may also be given an enema instead of laxative.

ERCP

ERCP stands for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. A dye is injected into the bile and pancreatic ducts using a flexible, video endoscope. Then x-rays are taken to outline the bile ducts and pancreas.

The liver produces bile, which flows through the ducts, passes or fills the gallblader and then enters the intestine (duodenum) just beyond the stomach. The pancreas, which is six to eight inches long, sits behind the stomach. This organ secretes digestive enzymes that flows into the intestine through the same opening as the bile. Both bile and enzymes are needed to digest food.

The Procedure:

An ERCP uses x-ray films and is performed in an x-ray room. The throat is anesthetized with a spray or solution, and the patient is usually mildly sedated. The endoscope is then gently inserted into the upper esophagus. The patient breathes easily throughout the exam. A thin tube is inserted through the endoscope to the main bile duct entering the duodenum. Dye is then injected into this bile duct and/or the pancreatic duct and x-ray films are taken. The patient lies on his or her left side and then turns onto the stomach to allow complete visualization of the ducts. If a bile duct stone is found, steps may be taken to remove it. If the duct has become narrowed, an incision can be made using electrocautery (electrical heat) to relieve the blockage. Additionally, it is possible to widen narrowed ducts and to place small tubing, called stents, in these areas to keep them open. The exam takes from 20 to 40 minutes, after which the patient is taken to the recover area.

EUS + FNAC

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a minimally invasive procedure to assess digestive {gastrointestinal) and lung diseases. At the tip of the tube has a small ultrasound probe that emits sound waves. A special endoscope uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the lining and walls of your digestive tract and chest, nearby organs such as the pancreas and liver,and lymph nodes.

Indication for EUS

• Pancreatitis or pancreatic cysts
• Evaluate bile duct for stones & blocks when other scan{USG abd, CT & MRI fail to detect)
• Staging of cancer{ Lymphoma & systemic)
• For Injecting anaesthesia medication for pain relief.
• To obtain tissue from lesions & Lymph node mass.
• Previously detected lumps or lesions in the upper GI tract
• GI cancer including esophagus, gastric, duodenum, liver,pancreas