Scopies – Procedures, Types, Uses, Benefits And Complications
Scopies are a procedure type used for a variety of different procedures, though they are most often used for surgeries. They can be used on the face, but also on other areas of the body, attaching whatever part of the body is being operated on to prevent them from moving as various instruments and devices are used. Scopies can also be used in conjunction with general anesthesia or an epidural.
What are scopies?
Scopes can also be used to view the back of the nose and throat, called an endoscopic exam. The surgeon will insert a scope through your mouth or nose.
You may need an endoscope if you have symptoms such as:
nosebleeds
frequent sinus infections
a deviated septum or a nasal tumor or polyp
trouble breathing through your nose
trouble smelling or tasting
If your doctor suspects you have a problem with your upper GI tract, they may order an upper GI endoscopy to view your throat, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This type of scope procedure is used to diagnose problems like:
ulcers and inflammation of the digestive tract
Procedure types
Cystoscopy takes about 30 minutes. It is a short test, but it involves some possible discomfort, so you’ll need to stay after the procedure for a while. Your doctor will give you instructions on how long you should stay at the office or hospital.
Colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. The scope is used to view the entire length of the colon, from the lowest portion, the rectum, all the way up through the colon to the lower end of the small intestine. Tissue samples can be collected (biopsy) and abnormal growths can be taken out for examination (polypectomy). Colonoscopies are generally performed on an outpatient basis.
Upper GI endoscopy (EGD). An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), also known as upper GI endoscopy or upper digestive endoscopy, is a procedure performed to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first section of your small intestine).
Colonoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the inner lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon). During a colonoscopy, tissue samples can be collected (biopsy) and abnormal growths can be taken out. The instrument used most often for this exam is the colonoscope. This thin, flexible, lighted tube is about 5 feet long. It has a video camera on one end and channels to allow air to be pumped into the colon as well as tools to remove polyps and take biopsies.
A sigmoidoscope also may be used. This instrument is similar in size to a colonoscope but shorter (only about 2 feet long). With both types of exams, patients are usually sedated during the procedure so that they are drowsy and relaxed but still breathing on their own. The amount of sedation varies from patient to patient and from doctor to doctor
Types Minimally invasive procedures
Minimally invasive procedures, also known as laparoscopic surgeries, involve the use of a small camera and surgical instruments that are inserted into the body through tiny incisions. These procedures offer benefits to both surgeons and patients. Although there are some complications, minimally invasive procedures are usually safe and effective.
Minimally invasive procedures are usually carried out on an outpatient basis. This means that people can return home on the same day as their surgery.
A surgeon uses a thin tube with a camera attached to perform minimally invasive procedures. This type of surgery is often used for:
hernia repair
gallbladder removal
removal of endometriosis, fibroids, or cysts
removal of all or part of the pancreas or thyroid
Barretts esophagus treatment
gastric banding for weight loss
Types Colorectal cancer screening tests
There are several screening tests you can use to detect colorectal cancer. Most of these tests look for small amounts of blood or for precancerous polyps (abnormal growths in the colon) or early colorectal cancers. These tests help doctors find problems before you have symptoms.
Fecal occult blood test
The fecal occult blood test is one of the most common screening methods used to detect early signs of colon cancer. The doctor uses a special card to collect a small stool sample from your rectum. The card is placed in a plastic bag with a chemical solution, which turns blue if there is any blood present in the stool. If the test comes back positive, it means there’s blood in your stool and further testing will likely be recommended.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy involves the insertion of a flexible tube into the colon, allowing your doctor to view the inside of your rectum and large intestine. Doctors use this procedure to look for polyps or other abnormal growths during a routine exam. If something unusual is detected, it can be removed immediately during the procedure or biopsied for further examination.
This test is not recommended as often as other screening methods because it can cause minor bleeding, inflammation
Scopy procedure risks and recovery time
All surgery carries some risk. Some, like meniscope surgery, are very common and can have complications.
Risks of a scope procedure include:
Infection
Bleeding
Damaged blood vessel or nerve
Increased pain
The recovery time for a scope procedure is usually short. It’s not uncommon to return to work the next day.
A scopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic or treatment procedure that uses an endoscope.
