Endoscopy Ankara

What is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic method performed with the help of a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, which has a camera at its tip, allowing direct observation of the body's internal organs and cavities.

This procedure, commonly used in digestive system diseases, allows detailed examination of organs such as the stomach, esophagus, duodenum, or colon by entering through the mouth or anus. Since it does not require surgical incisions, it is considered a minimally invasive method for the patient.

During endoscopy, biopsies can be taken from suspicious tissues, polyps can be removed, and bleeding can be stopped. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, is completed quickly, and patients are usually discharged on the same day. Endoscopy is frequently preferred in modern medicine for both diagnosis and intervention, playing a critical role in early detection.

Why are biopsies taken during endoscopy?

During imaging, biopsies can be taken to determine the type of gastritis, detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori — a bacterium that causes gastritis in the stomach — and to sample suspicious areas observed. Taking a biopsy does not necessarily mean there is suspicion of cancer.

How long does an endoscopy take?

The duration of a standard endoscopy varies from patient to patient but generally lasts between 15 to 20 minutes.

Is anesthesia necessary for endoscopy?

In the past and still in centers with high procedure volumes, the procedure is often done after applying a throat-numbing spray. Performing the procedure this way can be challenging, especially for patients with a strong gag reflex, causing nausea and making it difficult for both the patient and the endoscopist. This often leads to patient anxiety about the procedure.

Today, in addition to numbing the throat, sedation drugs administered intravenously have become a common practice that makes the procedure more comfortable. Nevertheless, for patients who cannot tolerate the endoscopy or for whom sedation poses no significant risk, the procedure can be performed under deep sedation by an anesthesiologist. This provides a very comfortable experience for both the patient and the endoscopist, as the patient feels nothing during the procedure. This method has become the most preferred application in recent years.

How should preparation for endoscopy be done?

For the endoscopy procedure, a normal meal can be eaten the evening before the procedure, provided it is not excessive (patients with delayed stomach emptying should receive more detailed preparation instructions from their doctor). After midnight, no fluids, including water, should be consumed. On the morning of the procedure, patients should come fasting, without eating or drinking anything.

What precautions should be taken after sedation endoscopy?

After the procedure, the patient usually feels normal following 1-2 hours of rest; however, since the effects of anesthesia may still be present to some extent, the patient should be accompanied by a companion after the procedure. It is unsafe to perform activities requiring attention, such as driving.

Can colonoscopy be performed together with endoscopy?

If necessary, colonoscopy can be performed in the same session as endoscopy. Combining the procedures is preferred because it avoids administering anesthesia twice separately. Unless unexpected complications arise, both procedures together take approximately 40-45 minutes.

In which cases should endoscopy be performed?

Endoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic method used when symptoms suggest diseases related to the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

What are the indications for endoscopy?

Difficulty swallowing
Stomach complaints
Especially stomach pain that wakes the patient from sleep
Stomach complaints accompanied by weight loss
Stomach complaints that persist despite treatment
Suspected or actual stomach bleeding
Stomach complaints accompanied by nausea and vomiting
Detection of a mass in the stomach region during examination or ultrasound
Family history of early-onset stomach cancer
Symptoms suggestive of reflux
Iron deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency
Suspected celiac disease
Patients with significant concern about stomach disease

Who performs endoscopy?

Endoscopy is not simply about inserting and withdrawing a device into the stomach; it is a highly important diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that requires both technical skill and careful evaluation of the areas examined during the procedure. Abnormal findings observed must be accurately interpreted, which requires formal training and experience. Therefore, according to regulations set by the Ministry of Health, endoscopy should only be performed by specialist doctors who have received the necessary training and are officially authorized to perform endoscopy.

With the increasing use of technological advances in healthcare, new generation advanced technological devices have become available. These methods allow abnormalities that might be missed under standard endoscopy lighting to be seen more clearly and easily. This improves the accuracy of biopsy sampling and increases the likelihood of a correct diagnosis.

How often should endoscopy be performed?

There is no standard interval for performing endoscopy. The frequency depends entirely on the reason for the procedure, the findings from previous endoscopies, the specific condition requiring repeat endoscopy, and whether detailed reports explaining these findings exist. Therefore, the decision should be individualized based on each patient’s situation.