Comprehensive Guide to Endoscopy at Canadian Specialist Hospital

Endoscopy is a pivotal medical procedure that allows doctors to inspect and observe the inside of the body without performing major surgery. This is achieved using an endoscope, a long, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera, which provides detailed images of internal organs and structures. Endoscopy is minimally invasive and can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Endoscopy at Canadian Specialist Hospital

The Canadian Specialist Hospital (CSH) in Dubai offers world-class gastroenterology and endoscopy services. Their state-of-the-art facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by experienced gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and specialized nurses, ensuring the highest quality of care for patients with digestive system disorders.

Why Choose Canadian Specialist Hospital for Endoscopy?

Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy Services: CSH boasts a comprehensive suite of endoscopy services, including biopsies, foreign body removal, stricture dilatation, GI bleeding treatment, polypectomies, mucosal resections, and metallic stenting for palliative treatment of luminal cancers.
Experienced Team: The hospital's team of gastro doctors and stomach specialists are highly skilled and experienced in performing a wide range of endoscopic procedures.
Cutting-Edge Technology: CSH utilizes the latest videoendoscopes with digital recording capabilities, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Comprehensive Care: The hospital provides a full spectrum of care, including outpatient, inpatient, and procedural services, with a collaborative approach involving radiologists, anesthesiologists, surgeons, and histopathologists.

Types of Endoscopy Procedures at CSH

1. Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy, also known as upper endoscopy, involves examining the upper digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It is used to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions affecting these areas.

Indications: Symptoms such as persistent heartburn, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained weight loss.
Procedure: A thin, flexible tube is inserted through the mouth and guided down the throat. The camera at the end of the tube provides real-time images of the upper digestive tract.
Therapeutic Uses: Removal of polyps, treatment of bleeding ulcers, and dilation of strictures.

2. Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine the colon (large intestine) and rectum. It is essential for screening and diagnosing conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Indications: Symptoms like rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, as well as routine screening for colorectal cancer.
Procedure: A flexible tube is inserted through the anus and guided through the colon. The camera provides detailed images of the colon lining.
Therapeutic Uses: Polyp removal, biopsy, and treatment of bleeding.

3. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

ERCP is a specialized endoscopy procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts.

Indications: Obstructive jaundice, pancreatitis, biliary and pancreatic infections, and palliative treatment of biliary cancers.
Procedure: A duodenoscope is inserted through the mouth and guided to the duodenum. A contrast dye is injected into the bile and pancreatic ducts, and X-rays are taken to visualize blockages or abnormalities.
Therapeutic Uses: Removal of bile duct stones, stent placement, and biopsy.

4. Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a small, vitamin-sized capsule equipped with a camera. As the capsule travels through the digestive tract, it takes thousands of pictures, which are transmitted to a wearable device.

Indications: Investigating unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn's disease, and small intestine tumors.
Procedure: The patient swallows the capsule, and images are recorded as it passes through the digestive system.
Advantages: Non-invasive and provides detailed images of the small intestine, which are difficult to obtain with traditional endoscopy.

Benefits of Endoscopy

Endoscopy offers numerous benefits, making it a preferred choice for diagnosing and treating various medical conditions:

Minimally Invasive: Endoscopy is less invasive than traditional surgery, resulting in quicker recovery times and less discomfort for patients.
Accurate Diagnosis: The high-resolution images provided by endoscopes allow for precise diagnosis of conditions.
Therapeutic Capabilities: Endoscopy can be used to perform therapeutic procedures such as polyp removal, bleeding control, and stent placement.
Safety: Endoscopy is generally safe, with a low risk of complications.

Preparation for Endoscopy

Preparation for an endoscopy depends on the type of procedure being performed. Here are some general guidelines:

Fasting: Patients may need to fast for several hours before the procedure to ensure the stomach is empty.
Medications: Certain medications, especially blood thinners, may need to be stopped before the procedure.
Laxatives: For procedures like colonoscopy, patients may need to take laxatives to clear the bowel.
Consultation: A pre-procedure consultation with the doctor is essential to discuss medical history, allergies, and current medications.

What to Expect During and After Endoscopy

During the Procedure

Sedation: Most endoscopic procedures are performed under sedation to ensure patient comfort. General anesthesia may be used in some cases.
Insertion: The endoscope is gently inserted through a natural opening (mouth or anus) or a small incision.
Examination: The doctor examines the internal organs and may take biopsies or perform therapeutic procedures.
Duration: The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the type.

After the Procedure

Recovery: Patients are monitored for a short period post-procedure. If sedation was used, they might feel groggy and need someone to drive them home.
Side Effects: Common side effects include bloating, mild discomfort, and a sore throat (for upper endoscopy). These usually resolve within a few hours.
Results: The doctor will discuss the findings and any further steps needed. Biopsy results may take a few days.

Risks and Complications

While endoscopy is generally safe, there are some potential risks and complications:

Perforation: A rare but serious complication where the endoscope creates a hole in the organ being examined.
Bleeding: Especially if a biopsy or polyp removal is performed.
Infection: Though rare, infections can occur.
Allergic Reactions: Reactions to sedatives or anesthetics used during the procedure.

Conclusion

Endoscopy at Canadian Specialist Hospital offers a comprehensive, safe, and effective means of diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions. With advanced technology, an experienced medical team, and a patient-centered approach, CSH ensures the highest standard of care for its patients.

If you are experiencing digestive issues or require routine screening, schedule a consultation with the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit at Canadian Specialist Hospital in Dubai.

Dr Feras Mahmoud

Syrian Board of Gastroenterology Specialists

Specialist Gastroenterology

Nationality

Palestine

Languages Spoken

Arabic, English, Persian

Gender

male

Branch

CSH Hospital Main Branch