Which Department or Doctor Should I Visit for Endoscopy?

What is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that allows direct visualization of internal organs and structures of the body. This procedure is performed using a thin, flexible tube called an “endoscope,” which has a light source and camera at its tip.

It is commonly used to examine the digestive system (esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and large intestine),but can also be applied to other body areas such as the respiratory tract, urinary tract, female reproductive system, or joints. Since endoscopy allows direct observation of internal structures without the need for surgical incisions, it offers significant advantages for both patients and physicians.

Why is Endoscopy Performed?

Endoscopy is performed to diagnose various health problems, monitor the progression of a disease, or in some cases, provide direct treatment. Complaints such as heartburn, chronic abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, gastrointestinal bleeding, or prolonged diarrhea can be evaluated with endoscopy. It is also effectively used in stomach or colon cancer screenings, taking biopsies, and removing polyps. Therapeutic endoscopies may include procedures such as removing stones from the bile ducts, cauterizing bleeding vessels, or extracting foreign objects.

How is Endoscopy Performed?

Endoscopy is usually performed while the patient lies on their back or left side. The endoscope is gently inserted into the body through the mouth (gastroscopy) or anus (colonoscopy). The images captured by the camera are transmitted to a monitor, allowing the doctor to examine them in real-time and take biopsies or perform minor interventions if needed. The duration of the procedure varies depending on the type of endoscopy but typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. Patients are required to fast before the procedure and can be discharged after a short observation period following the endoscopy.

Which Department Should You Go to for Endoscopy?

For endoscopy procedures, you should apply to the "Gastroenterology" departments in hospitals. Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases, and endoscopic procedures are usually performed by physicians specialized in this field. However, in some cases, specialists from other departments such as general surgery, pulmonology, or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) may also perform endoscopy. The choice of department depends on the patient’s complaints and the area to be examined.

Which Doctor Should You See for Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is generally performed by a gastroenterologist. These doctors have advanced training in diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders. Stomach and intestinal endoscopies are commonly done by gastroenterologists, while bronchoscopy procedures of the respiratory tract are carried out by pulmonologists, bladder endoscopies (cystoscopy) by urologists, and endoscopic procedures related to the female reproductive system are usually performed by gynecologists.

Is Anesthesia Used During Endoscopy?

Whether anesthesia is used during endoscopy depends on the type of procedure, the patient’s health condition, and preferences. For simple diagnostic procedures, usually only sedation (light sleep) is sufficient. In this case, the patient is given a short-acting sedative through an intravenous line, causing them not to remember the procedure or feel discomfort. For more complex or longer procedures, or for pediatric patients, deep sedation or general anesthesia may be preferred. Anesthesia is safely managed by anesthesia specialists.

Does Endoscopy Hurt?

Endoscopy procedures performed with modern techniques and under sedation are generally painless. Mild discomfort such as throat irritation (after gastroscopy) or temporary bloating due to gas in the abdominal area (after colonoscopy) may occur. However, most patients do not feel any pain during the procedure and can return to their daily activities shortly afterward. Any discomfort experienced during endoscopy depends on factors such as the technique used, the doctor’s experience, and the patient’s overall condition; therefore, it is very important that the procedure is performed by an experienced team.