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Endoscopy is an effective and reliable diagnostic method based on the use of endoscopes that are inserted into the human body through natural openings (anus, urethra, larynx and mouth, esophagus and mouth) or through artificial incisions in the area of the body being examined. Today you can find fiber-optic and digital endoscopes.
Digital endoscopy
Digital endoscope examination is a completely harmless and effective method for diagnosing various diseases, allowing the doctor to examine the patient’s internal organs without surgical intervention.
Digital endoscopy is carried out through the use of special digital electronic systems based on new technologies. Used video systems have a wide range of diagnostic capabilities. They are equipped with a high-definition format, which in turn allows the endoscopist to see minimal pathological changes. Digital endoscopy greatly simplifies the correct diagnosis.
Examination performed using digital endoscopy
Digital endoscopes have a chromoscopy function, when an image is reproduced under changeable illumination. Of the additional and important, it is worth noting the zoom and detail function. The doctor can, without a biopsy, determine the presence of the most minimal changes in the mucous membranes: the large intestine, duodenum, stomach, esophagus, bronchi and trachea.
Diagnostics allows you to determine the factor provoking the disease and shows the doctor the exact localization and characteristics of the pathology.
Digital endoscopy allows you to recognize inflammatory processes in the bile ducts, liver, pancreas, which plays an important role in determining the diagnosis and selection of therapy.
Modern digital endoscopes make it possible to determine the state of microflora and acidity in the intestines and stomach, to determine the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the stomach that cause diseases such as gastritis and ulcers. Correctly defined level of acidity will improve the effectiveness of treatment for peptic ulcer or gastritis. Diagnostics allows you to control daily changes in acidity.
Research methods
There are the following methods of digital diagnostics, which can be carried out by introducing the patient into drug-induced sleep:
- video capsule endoscopy;
- videobronchoscopy;
- chromoendoscopy;
- narrow band endoscopy (NBI);
- video rectosigmoidoscopy;
- video colonoscopy;
- videogastroduodenoscopy.
Video gastroduodenoscopy (VGDS) is a visual examination of the duodenum, esophagus, stomach through the use of a video gastroduodenoscope. The procedure includes diagnostic steps regarding the upper GI tract and additional steps: video recording, anesthesia, histological diagnosis and biopsy.
Indications for the procedure: pain in the upper abdomen; constant feeling of heartburn and nausea; complicated swallowing procedure, even during the period of eating carefully crushed food; altered taste sensations; lack of appetite.
Videocolonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure for diagnosing the condition of the colon, which allows you to determine the presence of benign or malignant tumors, inflammatory processes and ulcerative formations. This type of study can be recommended by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis if indicated, and also as a screening for oncological diseases after 35 years.
Indications for the procedure: the presence of blood or mucus in the feces; severe pain in the lower abdomen; family predisposition to colon cancer and polyps; the presence of suspicions for the development of oncological disease; the presence of previously identified polyps; during the period of palpation, a seal in the abdomen is visualized; manifestation of diarrhea of unclear etiology; anemia of unknown origin; prolonged constipation.
Narrow-spectrum endoscopy – allows you to consider the condition and relief of the mucous membranes and select the most accurate place for a biopsy.
Chromoscopy – allows you to contrast lesions of the mucous membranes through the use of a coloring agent. Most often in medical institutions, a solution of methylene blue is used. Methylene blue is a dye that accumulates in the cells of intestinal metaplasia that develops in the stomach or esophagus.
Video capsule endoscopy – allows you to examine the small intestine by swallowing a sterile disposable capsule with a built-in camera and light. The signal from the capsule is automatically transmitted to the receiving device, which is attached to the patient’s belt, and then the information is transferred to the computer.
Indications for the procedure: failure to assimilate the etiology; Peitz-Jeghers polyp; celiac disease; suspected Crohn’s disease of the small intestine; symptoms of intestinal bleeding without an established cause.
The study with the capsule is carried out within 8-12 hours, during this period the patient is in the hospital.
Preparing for a Digital Endoscopy Exam
For examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract, it is forbidden to eat and drink 12 hours before the procedure.
To study the colon, it must first be cleared of feces. Therefore, 2 days before the procedure, add only broths, boiled meat and fish, biscuits, white bread and eggs to your diet. Exclude from the diet: berries, mushrooms, legumes, cereals, herbs, vegetables, fruits. 12 hours before the study, you can only drink clear juices, tea and broth.
If there is a predisposition to constipation, it is recommended to use laxatives for two days (bisacodyl, castor oil, duphalac, senade, etc.) – can be combined with enemas.
A week before the procedure, remove lactofiltrum, activated charcoal, de-nol and iron preparations from the diet.