How does an Endoscope Work

Before the advent of endoscopy, it was difficult for the doctors to diagnose internal disorders of the human body. The treatment was mainly based on the symptoms, as there was no way to examine the internal organs, except surgery. But surgery could not be used as a diagnostic tool as it causes waste of time and money, apart from the trauma caused to the patient. Endoscopy, first developed in the early nineteenth century, has undergone many changes and is now a very sophisticated treatment. With the invention of fiber optics in the 1960s, endoscopy devices have become more advanced and handy. This process of internal examination has facilitated better diagnosis and has become a boon for doctors as well as patients.

What is an Endoscope?

An endoscope is a device which consists of a rigid or flexible tube, a light delivery system, a lens system, and in some cases, an additional channel to facilitate entry of other surgical tools. An endoscope acts as a telescope, which enables a physician to examine the internal organs and cavities, but the difference is that unlike a telescope, all endoscopes are not rigid. Most of the endoscopes are flexible tubes, which comprise of several thick optical cables. Each of these optical cables are made of thousands of glass or plastic strands and are assigned with different tasks.

One of the cables carry light from an outside source to illuminate the area to be inspected. Another is attached with a lens system, which undertakes the job of transmission of images, which is seen through a monitor. Some endoscopes are attached with additional cables to carry surgical tools, which are used by surgeons in coordination with the images on the monitor. For example, tissue samples are taken from the surface of internal organs with the help of these tools. While rigid endoscopes are used for minimal invasion, the flexible ones are used to pass through curves and bends to reach the destination.

Nowadays, specialized endoscopes are available for the examination of various internal organs. Bronchoscopes are used for airways and lungs, gastroscopes are meant for gullet, stomach and small intestine, cystoscopes are for bladder, hysteroscopes for uterus, arthroscopes for joints and colonoscopes examine the colon. The latest entrant in this area is the wireless capsule endoscopy, which involves a capsule (resembles a large pill) only. This capsule, when swallowed transmits the images of the inner regions of the digestive system. It passes out of the body naturally, through the stool.

How does an Endoscope Work?

Usually, the patients are administered with conscious sedation, before undergoing an endoscopy. They have to avoid consumption of food for a period of three to four hours prior to the procedure. In some cases, laxatives are given to clear the bowels. The doctor may advise to avoid blood-thinning drugs, like, aspirin for a few days before an endoscopy. Some people are given antibiotics to avoid infection. The procedure is painless, though some people may experience discomfort and a very mild pain.

As the patient is ready for the procedure, the doctor gently inserts the endoscope into the body. The point of entry of the endoscope depends on the affected part of the body, which is to be examined. Normally, the points of entry of an endoscope are the throat, anus and urethra. In some cases, the doctor may make an incision in the skin to allow the endoscope to enter the body. The whole procedure is done very carefully, as any mistake can hurt the internal cavities and organs. The affected part of the body is inspected according to the procedure explained above. In some cases, samples are collected for further examination. In some endoscopies, tools are used to destroy unwanted growths like tumors.

There is usually no need of a hospital stay in order to undergo an endoscopy. Normally, the timespan of an endoscopy ranges between 20 to 60 minutes, but you may need to take rest for upto an hour after the procedure. Thus, an endoscope is a very powerful tool in the medical world, helping doctors to diagnose many disorders with pin point accuracy. While many people are apprehensive about getting an endoscopy done, explaining how does an endoscope work should relieve most of their apprehensions. Though slightly discomforting, endoscopy is painless and should be done if the doctor deems it necessary as part of your diagnosis.