5 Different Types of Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a procedure that uses an endoscope — a thin tube with a light and camera at the end of it — to examine your digestive tract. Endoscopies primarily diagnose digestive conditions; however, some endoscopes have enough space for small surgical tools, so in this way, our board-certified gastroenterology team can use endoscopies to diagnose and treat certain conditions.

There isn't just one type of endoscopy, though. There are many! At Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates, LLC, several types of endoscopy are available to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal issues. Here are five of them.

1. Upper endoscopy

Upper endoscopy, called esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), examines your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). You might need one if you have symptoms such as:

• Pain in the upper area of your belly
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Trouble swallowing

During an upper endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through your mouth and guided down your throat to your stomach and duodenum. This process allows your Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates provider to view your digestive tract and identify abnormalities.

2. Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a lower endoscopy that examines your colon and rectum. It’s considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening. You might need a colonoscopy if:

• You’re due for a colon cancer screening
• You have abdominal pain
• You have concerning symptoms such as rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits

Colonoscopies require specific preparation to empty your colon. During this procedure, a long, flexible tube with a camera is inserted in your rectum and guided through your entire colon. If small-to-medium polyps are detected, they can be removed for further analysis or to prevent potential cancer development.

3. Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy evaluates the lower part of the colon, including your sigmoid colon and rectum. It can be used to investigate the causes of lower belly pain, itching around the anus, blood and mucus in your stool, and low iron counts.

4. Capsule endoscopy

This type of endoscopy is a bit different than the others. Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a small (vitamin-sized) capsule containing a tiny wireless camera that captures images of your digestive tract.

This type of endoscopy mainly visualizes your small intestine, which is difficult to reach with traditional endoscopy methods.

Before swallowing the capsule, the provider may request that you fast for 12 hours and take a laxative. These preparation steps make it easier to get clear images. 

After swallowing the capsule, it travels through your digestive tract and records images. Later, our team reviews the footage to diagnose conditions such as small intestine bleeding, Crohn's disease, or tumors.

5. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

An ERCP combines an upper endoscopy with fluoroscopy — you can think of this as an X-ray movie — to examine and treat problems in your bile and pancreatic ducts. Contrast dye (part of the fluoroscopy) creates clear images of your biliary system. 

ERCP is typically used to diagnose and treat conditions like:

• Blockages in your bile ducts
• Pancreatitis
• Biliary stricture
• Bile duct tumors 
• Pancreatic duct tumors 

This type of endoscopy can reach your ducts using a mini endoscope extension.

How do you know which endoscopy you need?

Each of these endoscopies serves a specific purpose, but you never have to make this decision on your own. Jigneshkumar B. Patel, MD, Kelle C. Degroat, APRN, and  Wendi Dinh-Bailey, APRN at Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates, LLC, review your symptoms and take your medical history. Depending on your symptom type, location, and severity, they recommend the right endoscopy based on your needs.

Each type of endoscopy has different preparatory steps, and we guide you through that process. 

If you experience GI symptoms, call our Trinity, Florida, office today to schedule your appointment and find out if endoscopy can help pinpoint the source of your symptoms. You can also click here to contact us online.