What is Endoscopy? It is a procedure were a flexible tube with fibre optic camera is inserted through the mouth to visualise the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Which part of body can be examined? oral cavity, oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, duodenum up to third part

Duration: usually 5 to 10 minutes

What all conditions it may diagnose? – Esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal varices, esophageal cancer, gastric or duodenal ulcers, polyps/growth, early gastric cancer, bleeding from upper gastrointestinal tract

What all therapies/treatment can be given during endoscopy? Band ligation or sclerotherapy of esophageal varices, polyp removal, biopsy from suspected cancerous lesions, removal of foreign body, dilatation of stricture in the oesophagus or duodenum, placement of metal stent in the oesophagus or duodenum, placement of Ryle’s tube or PEG tube for nutrition and control of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract

Preparation: No solid food should be taken at least 5 to 6 hours prior to procedure and no liquids at least 2 hours prior to procedure

Does it require anaesthesia? It can be performed on local anaesthesia where the patient’s consciousness is preserved. However, short general anaesthesia can be given based on the clinical situation and patient’s comfort.

After endoscopy- Patient will usually recover immediately if no anaesthesia is used and after 30 minutes if short general anaesthesia is used. Patient may experience mild discomfort in throat and chest for few hours after the procedures which will improve on its own. 

What is colonoscopy? It is a procedure were a flexible tube with fibre optic camera is inserted through the anus to visualise the large intestine and terminal part of small intestine.  

Which part of body can be examined during colonoscopy? Anus, rectum, sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon, ascending colon, cecum, ileocecal valve, terminal ileum

Duration: usually 20 to 30 minutes

What all conditions it may diagnose? Hemorrhoids/piles, fissure, fistula, ulcers, polyps/growth, colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis, microscopic colitis (with the help of biopsy) and many more.

Preparation: No solid food should be taken at least 5 to 6 hours prior to procedure and no liquids at least 2 hours prior to procedure. Medication mixed with 1-2 litres of water should be taken 5 to 6 hours prior to the procedure following which patient may have to pass stools for several times. Undergoing procedure after passing clear liquid stools would help the endoscopist in proper visualisation of the desired mucosa.

Complications- Few rare complications like bleeding per rectum (especially after taking biopsy or therapeutic procedure), intestinal perforation, abdominal pain, etc., are reported in literature even by the experienced hands.

Does it require anaesthesia? It can be performed on local anaesthesia where the patient’s consciousness is preserved. However, short general anaesthesia can be given based on the clinical situation and patient’s comfort.

After colonoscopy- Patient will usually recover immediately if no anaesthesia is used and after 30 minutes if short general anaesthesia is used. Patient may experience mild discomfort in peri-anal area for few hours after the procedures which will improve on its own.

What is ERCP?

ERCP is a procedure that helps in diagnosis and treatment of bile duct and pancreatic diseases like bile duct stones, narrowing of bile duct causing jaundice, chronic pancreatitis, growth near the opening of bile duct. It is done with the help of a specialised Gastroscope and Xray machine

In what all conditions ERCP is used- ERCP is mainly used in the treatment of obstructive jaundice secondary to bile duct stones or narrowing of the bile duct in biliary tract cancer and also in management of long term pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Preparation: Coagulation parameters like platelet count and INR should be within acceptable limit prior to the procedure. No solid food should be taken for at least 6 hours prior to the procedure and no liquids at least 3 to 4 hours prior to procedure.

Complications- Few rare complications like bleeding per rectum (especially after taking biopsy or therapeutic procedure), intestinal perforation, abdominal pain, etc., are reported in literature even by the experienced hands.

Does it require anaesthesia? It can be performed on local anaesthesia where the patient’s consciousness is preserved. However, short general anaesthesia can be given based on the clinical situation and patient’s comfort