Guide to Endoscopy Services Brought to You by The Clane Hospital
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What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a medical examination used to view internal organs such as digestive tract, joints or cavities non surgically, through the use of an endoscope. Endoscope is a medical device uses a flexible fiber optics and lighted camera provide visualisation of the internal body structure.
An endoscopy is often used to confirm a diagnosis when other devices, such as an MRI, X-ray, or CT scan are considered inappropriate
The following conditions and illnesses are most commonly investigated or diagnosed with an endoscopy:
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Breathing disorders
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Chronic diarrhea
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Incontinence
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Internal bleeding
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Stomach ulcers
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Urinary tract infections
Types of endoscopies
Here is a list of some types of endoscopies and their meanings:
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Amnioscopy - examination of the amniotic cavity and fetus.
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Arthroscopy - examination of joints for diagnosis and treatment.
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Bronchoscopy - examination of the air passages and lung's bronchial trees to reveal abscesses, bronchitis, carcinoma, tumors, tuberculosis, alveolitis, infection, inflammation.
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Colonoscopy - examination of the colon and large intestine to detect polyps, tumors, ulceration, inflammation, colitis diverticula, Chrohn's disease, and discovery and removal of foreign bodies.
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Colposcopy - examination of the cervix and the tissues of the vagina and vulva.
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Cystoscopy - examination of the urinary bladder, urethra, urinary tract, uteral orifices, and prostate (men) with insertion of the endoscope through the urethra.
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EGD (Esophageal Gastroduodenoscopy), also known as panendoscopy - examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
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ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography) - examination of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.
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Fetoscopy - examination of the fetus.
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Laparoscopy - a small incision to examine the abdominal organs including the female reproductive organs, for example, the fallopian tubes.
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Laryngoscopy - examination of the back of the throat, including the voice box (larynx) and vocal cords.
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Proctoscopy - examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon.
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Rhinoscopy - examination of the inside of the nose.
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Thoracoscopy - examination of the lungs, pleura, pleural spaces, mediastinumor or other structures in the chest cavity
Learn More about Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a test that allows a doctor to look directly at the lining of the large bowel. A long flexible tube (colonoscope) is passed through the back passage into the large bowel. A light at the end of the colonoscope conveys images to a TV monitor to allow inspection of the lining of the bowel. Sometimes a sample of the lining of the bowel (biopsy) is taken which is painless. It is also possible to remove polyps which are small projections of tissue rather like warts.
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Learn More about Sigmoidoscopy
A sigmoidoscopy is a test that allows inspection of the lining of the lower portion of the large bowel.
There are two basic types:
- A rigid sigmoidoscopy in which a stiff metal tube is inserted into the rectum and the lower large bowel inspected over a short distance. This is commonly performed in the outpatient department and is quick and requires no preparation
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