With the gastrointestinal endoscopy a doctor is able to inspect the inside lining of the digestive tract. The aim is to diagnose the cause of gastrointestinal disorders and in some cases to treat a disorder during the procedure.

Procedure information
The examination consists of inserting a flexible tube (an endoscope) equipped with a tiny camera at the end into the anus, nose or mouth. The camera is connected to either an eyepiece or a video screen and helps the doctor in finding out what causes concern, such as ulcers or muscle spasms.

Endoscopy is differently named depending on the portion of the digestive tract that is examined. Colonoscopy refers to the examination of the large intestine and the distal part of the small bowel. Enterescopy allows the doctor to inspect the small intestine (small bowel), located between the stomach and colon. In both procedures a moderate sedative is given to the patient before a scope is introduced to examine the lining of the organs.

With the colonoscopy, a flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted by the doctor through the anus up the rectum and is guided into the colon. Therapeutic interventions can be performed during the test, such as removing polyps (growth of excess tissue). Biopsies (small tissue samples) are frequently taken for further examination. At the end of the procedure, the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn. A colonoscopy usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

With the enteroscopy procedure a thin, flexible tube is inserted through the nose or the mouth into the upper gastrointestinal tract. The technique of the ‘double-balloon’ enteroscopy refers to the use of balloons, attached to the endoscope. Once inflated, these balloons allow the doctor to view the entire small bowel.

Recovery time
After a gastrointestinal endoscopy, it will take the patient about 30 to 45 minutes to recover. The sedative effects will wear off quickly, but the medication might affect driving abilities.

Painful sensations (sore throat in the case of enteroscopy or cramping in the case of colonoscopy) may be experienced but these side affects cease quickly. Shortly after the endoscopy patients can get back to normal life.