ENDOSCOPY
Endoscopy is a medical procedure used
by specialists to access the inner lining
(mucosa) of various organs such as the
throat (larynx), stomach, colon (large
intestine), bladder, uterus (womb) and
lungs.
Endoscopy does not
involve any surgical incision (cutting)
instead, the endoscope is gently
introduced through any of the natural
openings such as the mouth or anus or
vagina or penis.
The
endoscope is a flexible small tube-like
device which has lenses like a telescope,
a very sensitive miniature video camera
and a fiber optic light source at its tip.
Brilliant magnified images are now
transmitted to a monitor for
visualization and possible recording on a
simple video tape.
The
endoscope also has side channels for
obtaining biopsies, coagulation,
injection, balloon dilatation, application
of stents, irrigation, air insufflation and
more.
We will briefly discuss a few of these
procedures which can be performed
under light sedation as an out patient
(day) procedure
Fig 1: A Flexible Endoscope
HYSTEROSCOPY
Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy entails
the visulaization of the inner lining
(mucosa) of the esophagus, stomach
and duodenum. The specialist can also
obtain biopsises, dilate strictures,
coagulate minor bleeding, remove small
growths, take pictures and more.
This is very helpful in the diagnosis and
management of ulcers, dyspepsia,
heartburn, reflux, unexplained nausea
and vomiting, growths, hiatal hernia and
more.
This
is the gold standard for evaluation of
the entire colon, rectum and anus. It is
invaluable in the diagnosis and
management of colorectal bleeding,
growths, structures, ischemia and
Direct
visualization of the inside of the uterus
(endometrium) is invaluable in the
management of unexplained uterine
bleeding, pelvic pain and uterine
growths including sub mucosal fibroids.
Adhesions could also be taken down. It
is also a very important tool for the
investigation of female infertility. A
falloposcopy will soon be an important
adjunct to this. Pin point focused
biopsies can also be obtained
LARYNGOSCOPY
EGD (GASTROSCOPY)
COLONOSCOPY
colitis, to mention a few.
Colonoscopy is also a screening tool for
adults 55yrs and older at 3-5yr intevals,
however a positive occult fecal blood
test at any age should prompt an
immediate test.
Colonoscopy gives much more detailed
information about the colon than a
Barium enema.
This
involves the visualization of the throat
(larynx ) including the vocal cords and
the back of the nose
(pharynx).
Obviously useful in the diagnosis and
management of hoarseness, growths,
bad breath (halitosis), removal of
foreign bodies and much more. Biopsies
can also be obtained.
FLEXIBLE BRONCHOSCOPY
This is an extension of laryngoscopy
with direct access to the wind pipe
(trachea) and the major bronchi with
the possible biopsy of any lesions,
aspiration of obstructing thick mucus
and removal of foreign bodies.
Coagulation of minor bleeding and
application of stents are advanced
options. This test is very important in
the evacuation of hemoptysis (coughing
up blood ) in addition to simple chest Xrays and skin tests.
CYSTOSCOPY
Evaluation of
the inner lining of the urinary bladder
and urethra is very helpful in the
diagnosis and management of bladder
growths, recurrent cystitis, bladder
stones and bloody urine. Small mucosal
growths and stones can also be
removed safely.
Endoscopic procedures are usually
performed by specialists such as Gastroenterologists, Surgeons, Gynecologists
and Urologists with minimal sedation.
These procedures are not without
complications such as perforation and
bleeding, please ask your specialist for
details.
Pease call the centre for scheduling
Advanced Videoscopic/Laparoscopic
Surgery Centre (AVLSC)
Lagos: 2a Obafemi Anibaba Str, Lekki
Phase One
Abuja: 1 Mohammed Isma Close, Off T.Y.
Danjuma Str, Asokoro
Phone: 0816 828 5829 or 0810 018 7790 or
0803 575 3273