Dr. Robert M. Webman: Frequently Asked Questions About Endoscopy

A highly skilled gastroenterologist, Dr. Robert M. Webman conducts many complex and difficult endoscopic procedures, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In this article, Robert M. Webman, M.D., answers some common questions about endoscopy.

What is endoscopy and when did it develop?

Endoscopy is the process of looking into the body with the use of a small camera embedded in a flexible tube. The technique developed in the 1970s when technology provided cameras small enough to be inserted into the body. Since that time, endoscopy has become more widespread and versatile, as technology has facilitated an ever-increasing numbers of treatments.

Endoscopy takes different names depending on where the scope is inserted. Colonoscopy and rhinoscopy can be executed through the use of the body’s natural openings. Other types of endoscopy, such as nephroscopy or arthroscopy, may require a small incision.

What are the components of a typical endoscope?

They vary greatly depending on the type of procedure conducted. However, almost all endoscopes include a camera, a light source, an air or water nozzle, and a biopsy tool for taking samples. Other endoscopes may include balloons for inflating constricted areas, suction equipment, and/or specialized devices for the procedure at hand.

Will I be “put under” during an endoscopy procedure?

It depends on the type of procedure. For instance, a head and neck surgeon conducting a rhinoscopy to look into your throat may simply spray a numbing agent into your nose and then insert the endoscope. On the other hand, colonoscopies almost always involve conscious sedation for the comfort of the patient. Laparoscopic surgery may require general anesthesia.

What are the major risks of endoscopy?

Overall, endoscopy is a very safe procedure, regardless of how the scope is used. The most common complications include bleeding caused by biopsy, inflection, or tearing caused by the movement of the scope. Preparing properly for the procedure will minimize the risks of these complications. In most cases, all of these complications can be easily treated.

What kinds of treatments can be done with endoscopy?

Colonoscopies are standard procedures for diagnosing colon or intestinal cancers. ERCP can be used to remove stones from the bile ducts or to conduct sphincterotomies. Endoscopy is a common approach in minimally invasive surgery. Thousands of applications exist for endoscopy, often replacing risky surgeries performed in past decades. Endoscopy provides a perspective on the cause of a set of symptoms that cannot be achieved through diagnostic imaging or any other means. Endoscopic surgeries lead to quicker recovery times and often better outcomes.