Gastroenterology

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Endoscopy is an examination using a tube-like device with a light on the end. A camera at the end of the tube transmits the lighted image before the tube to a "TV" screen so the examiner can observe the inside of the upper alimentary tract as the tube advances. At the examiner’s end of the instrument, there are controls that direct the other end, pump air into the stomach, clear the view with water, or suck out unwanted content. The most common indications are dyspepsia (upper abdominal pain), persistent heartburn, acute bleeding from the upper git, and anaemia. The most common findings are stomach or duodenal ulcer or esophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus).