Diagnostic tests that are performed by a Gastroenterologist include upper GI endoscopy and Lower GI endoscopy. Upper GI endoscopy which is also called as OGD that is Oesophago Gastro Duodenoscopy, is a test used to identify the diseases of food pipe, stomach, and upper Small intestinal mucosal changes. Lower GI endoscopy is also called Colonoscopy(ileocolonoscopy) used to diagnose the changes of mucosa in the large intestine and terminal portion of small intestine. Also includes taking a sample of abnormal mucosa which is called a biopsy.
Therapeutic
Therapeutic endoscopic procedures include removal of an obstruction in the digestive system which can be foreign body like coin, impacted food particles ( meat or fish bone), pebbles, sharp objects like pins. It could also be dilation of narrowed lumen and placement of stents in strictures which can be a cause of obstruction for passage of food or stools. Therapy in those with blood loss in the intestine can be done in the form of banding, injection of medications to prevent bleeding, and applying hemoclips to arrest the bleeding.
Advanced Endoscopic Procedures
Advanced endoscopic procedures in the form of ERCP, that is endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatogram is offered
in benign and cancer conditions. People with obstruction of bile duct and pancreatic duct can undergo placement of
stents by the procedure of ERCP. This therapy is also used to treat the leakage of ducts.
Removal of bile duct (CBD) stones, pancreatic duct stones, overcoming duct obstruction due to strictures (narrowing) or cancers by placing plastic or metal stents. EUS that is endoscopic ultrasound is a modality to diagnose lesions beyond the lumen. This advanced modality is used used to take samples from lesions across the lumen and also in treating conditions where the religion is beyond the lumen. Third space endoscopy is morality used to operate between the layers of intestine, it has evolved to be safe and effective alternate to open surgeries. EMR,
ESD are modalities where the lesion in the intestinal first two layers can be removed without undergoing open surgeries.
