EGD and Colonoscopy are procedures performed by a doctor, a well-trained subspecialist who uses the endoscope to diagnose and – in some cases – treat problems of the digestive system.
The endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and light on the end. By adjusting the various controls on the endoscope, our doctors can safely guide the instrument to carefully examine the inside lining of the digestive system.
Diagnostic Indications for Endoscopy
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Persistent isolated nausea or vomiting. In the event of isolated nausea or vomit persisting for more than 2 days, investigation of the upper gastrointestinal tract is justified after any non-gastrointestinal origin and acute intestinal occlusion have been eliminated
- Chronic anemia and/or iron deficiency anemia. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is recommended in iron-deficiency anemia and/or iron deficiency after any non-gastrointestinal origin has been eliminated
- Acute gastrointestinal bleeding originating in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is recommended as the first choice in acute digestive bleeding which is assumed to originate in the upper gastrointestinal tract (haematemesis or melaena)
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is recommended if there are symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux combined with warning signs (weight loss, dysphagia, bleeding, anemia), or if the patient is aged over 50 years, or if there is a recurrence on withdrawal of treatment or resistance to medical treatment
- If irregularities are found on an X-ray or CT scan, or if abdominal pain or blood in the stool occurs, a lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (colonoscopy) is performed to diagnose issues affecting the colon, rectum or anus
