Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes disorders in the digestive tract?

The digestive tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, large and small intestines. Due to the scope of the digestive tract, there are many potential causes of disorders, such as bacterial infections, viral infections, inflammation, difficulty digesting certain foods.

Other causes include stress, poor blood circulation to the intestines or other organs, the use of medication that causes inflammation, and more.

Why is a gastrointestinal endoscopy necessary?

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is required to examine the lining of the digestive tract to better understand a patient’s condition.

What takes place during a gastrointestinal endoscopy?

The surgeon inserts a flexible fiber-optic tube with a built-in miniature camera at the end into the anus to examine the intestines. The camera transmits visuals to an eyepiece worn by the surgeon or a color monitor.

Surgeons can also perform a biopsy (remove sample cells for testing) or use therapeutic interventions, such as endoscopic clips and injections, to stop bleeding ulcers.