Therapeutic Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy
Therapeutic gastroscopy and colonoscopy are advanced endoscopic procedures used to treat various conditions within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Unlike diagnostic endoscopy, which is primarily used to observe and diagnose, therapeutic endoscopy involves performing specific treatments during the procedure.
Therapeutic Gastroscopy
Therapeutic gastroscopy involves using a gastroscope (a flexible tube with a camera) to perform treatments in the upper GI tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
- Polypectomy: Removal of polyps, which are abnormal growths that can be precancerous.
- Hemostasis: Controlling bleeding from ulcers or varices (enlarged veins), often using techniques like cauterization, clipping, or injection therapy.
- Dilation: Widening of narrowed areas (strictures) in the esophagus or stomach using balloon dilation or bougies.
- Stent Placement: Insertion of a stent to keep a narrowed or blocked area open.
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR): Removal of superficial lesions or early-stage cancers from the lining of the digestive tract.
Therapeutic Colonoscopy
Therapeutic colonoscopy involves using a colonoscope to treat conditions within the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
- Polypectomy: Removing polyps from the colon, which is crucial in preventing colorectal cancer.
- Hemostasis: Stopping bleeding, often from diverticula (small bulges in the colon wall) or tumors, using techniques like clipping or cauterization.
- Dilation: Treating strictures in the colon or rectum to relieve obstructions.
- Stent Placement: Insertion of stents to manage blockages, often related to cancer.
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR): Removing early-stage tumors or abnormal tissue from the colon lining.
Benefits and Risks
- Benefits: Therapeutic endoscopies offer minimally invasive options for treating GI conditions, often avoiding the need for more extensive surgery. They can be both diagnostic and therapeutic in a single session, improving patient outcomes and recovery times.
- Risks: While generally safe, these procedures carry risks such as bleeding, infection, and perforation of the GI tract, especially during more complex interventions. These risks are minimized with experienced operators and appropriate patient selection.