Endoscopic Procedures

What are Endoscopic Procedures?

An endoscopic procedure is a procedure where specialised surgical instruments are used for the viewing and examination of vessels and internal organs of the body. Endoscopies are generally used for investigative and treatment purposes. A device known as an endoscope is used for the procedure.

Why are Endoscopies Necessary?

Dr Makhoba may recommend an endoscopy to analyse symptoms or find the fundamental causes for digestive complications. An endoscopy can be used to test for any abnormalities or infections in a particular organ or vessel, as well as to detect precancerous and cancerous growths.

Types of Endoscopic Procedures

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

EGD is an endoscopic procedure that diagnoses and treats conditions related to the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract. During an EGD, an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and guided through the pharynx to the oesophagus. Furthermore, it passes through the stomach and intestines.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

EUS is a surgical procedure that integrates endoscopies with ultrasounds. A specialised endoscope that uses sound waves of high-frequency is used in EUS procedures. The endoscope displays detailed imagery of the walls and lining of the digestive tract, chest and abdomen - along with neighbouring organs such as the pancreas and liver.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

ERCP is a method that affiliates endoscopy with fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions that relate to the biliary and pancreatic duct, as well as the liver and gallbladder. Like in EGD, the endoscope is guided down, through to the stomach and the duodenum.

Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is considered a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that allows for the examination of the large intestine from the nearest part of the colon, known as the sigmoid colon. The two types of sigmoidoscopy are flexible and rigid sigmoidoscopy.