Ensuring the Safety of Your Endoscopic Procedure

The Benefits of Endoscopy

Endoscopy involves the use of flexible tubes, known as endoscopes, to provide a close-up, color television view of the inside of your digestive tract. Upper endoscopes are passed through the mouth to visualize the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine), while lower endoscopes (colonoscopes) are passed through the rectum to view the colon, or large intestine. Other special endoscopes allow physicians to view portions of the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder as well.

Endoscopy has been a major advance in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. For example, the use of endoscopes allows the detection of ulcers, cancers, polyps, and sites of internal bleeding. Through endoscopy, tissue sampleensuring safety illus 2s (biopsies) may be obtained, areas of blockage can be opened, and active bleeding can be stopped. Polyps in the colon can be removed, which has been shown to prevent colon cancer.

Endoscopy is easily carried out on an outpatient basis and is very well tolerated by patients. The technique of endoscopy is extremely safe, with very low rates of complications, when performed by a properly trained endoscopist, such as members of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).

The Characteristics of an Endoscope

An endoscope consists of a flexible tube, which is passed into the digestive tract to provide a video image, and a control section, which allows the endoscopist to maneuver the tip of the flexible tube in a precise manner. Within the tube are the electronics necessary to obtain the video image, cables that allow control of the flexible tip, and channels that permit the passage of devices to sample tissue, stop bleeding, or remove polyps. The endoscope is a complex but durable instrument and is safe for use in thousands of procedures

How the Preparation of an Endoscope for Each Procedure Ensures Patient Safety

In all areas of medicine and surgery, complex medical devices are generally not discarded after use in one patient but rather are reused in subsequent patients. This practice is very safe, provided that the devices are properly prepared, or reprocessed, prior to each procedure, so as to eliminate any risk that an infection could be transmitted from one patient to another.

Prior to the performance of a procedure, an endoscope must be carefully cleaned and disinfected according to guidelines published by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, which have been endorsed by every major medical association dealing with endoscopy and infection control.

Important Reminder:

This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.