You might be looking for complete information on what endoscopy actually is and what it’s for. Many patients feel unsure about what to expect during endoscopy tests. Some worry about pain. Others do not know how it works or what diseases it can detect. Understanding the procedure can ease these concerns. The endoscopy doctor examines internal digestive organs to detect issues like GERD, ulcers, and early-stage cancer.
There are different types of endoscopy, from gastroscopy and colonoscopy to EUS and ERCP. Only a highly trained and qualified endoscopy specialist in Lahore knows these particular procedures for specific gastrointestinal disorders. Got questions about endoscopy? Let’s explore everything you need to know about endoscopy!
What is an Endoscopy Test?
A clinical procedure that helps doctors examine the digestive tract is called an endoscopy test. It uses a thin tube called an endoscope. The tube has a light source and a high-definition camera at the tip. The doctor inserts it through the mouth. It moves down the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). This helps detect ulcers, inflammation, tumors, and bleeding. The procedure does not require large incisions. Recovery is quicker than open surgery. In Pakistan, more hospitals now provide endoscopy tests. Early diagnosis of digestive diseases is now possible.
Procedure Steps: How a Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is Performed
- The doctor gives instructions before the test. Patients must avoid eating for 6 to 12 hours. This keeps the stomach empty.
- A sedative or local anesthetic is given. It numbs the throat and reduces discomfort.
- The best gastroenterologist in Lahore inserts the endoscope through the mouth.. It is carefully guided down the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
- A fiber-optic or video chip camera sends images to a screen. The endoscopy specialist in Lahore examines the digestive lining in real-time.
- The endoscopy doctor may take a biopsy (tissue sample). Small tools attached to the endoscope can also remove polyps or treat bleeding ulcers.
- The endoscopy procedure lasts 15 to 45 minutes. Patients rest under observation until the sedative wears off.
Endoscopy Test Price in Pakistan: Availability and Cost
- Both government hospitals and private clinics offer upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy.
- The endoscopy test price ranges from PKR 500 to PKR 6000. This depends on the hospital and endoscopic procedure type.
- Government hospitals provide lower-cost tests. However, waiting times may be long.
- Private clinics schedule appointments sooner. They are more cost-effective.
So, if you are searching for endoscopy near me on Google, meet the top endoscopy surgeon in Lahore for better diagnosis and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures.
What are the Types of Endoscopy?
Gastroenterologists in Lahore perform different endoscopic procedures to diagnose and manage digestive disorders. These tests help detect GERD, ulcers, polyps, bile duct diseases, and gastrointestinal cancers. Each endoscopy procedure focuses on a specific part of the digestive system. Omar Hospital and Cardiac Centre in Lahore provides endoscopy tests and procedures. Let’s first understand the types of endoscopy in detail.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
An EGD examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A fiber-optic endoscope helps detect ulcers, infections, tumors, and acid reflux damage. The gastroenterologists in Lahore recommend it for patients with persistent heartburn, nausea, or difficulty swallowing. TA biopsy can also be considered during the EGD procedure. This helps check for H. pylori infections or stomach cancer.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy checks the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It helps detect polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer. The best doctor for endoscopy inserts a colonoscope through the rectum. They may remove polyps or take a biopsy. The procedure requires bowel preparation. The patient takes laxatives to clear the intestine before the test.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
An ERCP diagnoses and treats bile duct and pancreatic diseases. It combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging). The ERCP specialist in Lahore checks for gallstones, bile duct strictures, and pancreatic disorders. They may insert a stent to keep the bile duct open. The doctor can also remove blockages. This test is used for patients with jaundice or unexplained abdominal pain.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
An EUS provides imaging of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and bile ducts. It uses an ultrasound probe attached to an endoscope. This gives a clearer view of deep tissues. Doctors use it to detect pancreatic cysts, bile duct tumors, and stomach cancers. A fine needle aspiration (FNA) may be done during the procedure. This helps collect fluid or tissue samples for testing.
Capsule Endoscopy
Since the small intestine is too small for tube-based endoscopy, capsule endoscopy is used to examine for possible diseases. This area is not reachable by traditional EGD or colonoscopy. In a capsule endoscopy procedure, the patient swallows a capsule with a tiny camera. The camera captures images as it moves through the digestive tract. It helps detect Crohn’s disease, obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, and small bowel tumors.
What Diseases can be Detected by an Endoscopy?
Doctors use endoscopy tests to diagnose diseases in the esophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas, and bile ducts. Many digestive conditions cause pain, bleeding, nausea, and difficulty swallowing. These symptoms often require further tests. The table below lists common diseases and the endoscopic procedures used for diagnosis.
| Disease | Common Symptoms Requiring Endoscopy | Specialized Endoscopic Procedure |
| Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) | Heartburn, chest pain, chronic cough, difficulty swallowing | Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) |
| Peptic Ulcers | Upper abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, black stools | Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy for H. pylori |
| Barrett’s Esophagus | Long-term acid reflux, trouble swallowing, chest discomfort | Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy |
| Esophageal Cancer | Difficulty swallowing, weight loss, chest pain, hoarseness | Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy |
| Stomach Cancer | Loss of appetite, stomach pain, vomiting, unexplained weight loss | Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy |
| Celiac Disease | Chronic diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, fatigue | Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with duodenal biopsy |
| Colorectal Cancer | Blood in stool changes in bowel habits, abdominal cramps | Colonoscopy with biopsy |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) | Diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, abdominal pain | Colonoscopy with biopsy |
| Crohn’s Disease | Persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, fatigue | Colonoscopy or Capsule Endoscopy |
| Ulcerative Colitis | Bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, urgency to defecate | Colonoscopy with mucosal biopsy |
| Bile Duct Stones and Tumors | Jaundice, right upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting | Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) |
| Pancreatic Cancer | Jaundice, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain | Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) with Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) |
| Small Bowel Tumors | Chronic bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, unexplained weight loss | Capsule Endoscopy |
Endoscopy helps doctors detect diseases early. It allows for biopsy collection and minimally invasive treatments. Each clinic has different endoscopy charges in Lahore, depending on the physician’s experience and the clinic’s facilities.
Wrapping Up
Endoscopy tests help doctors diagnose digestive diseases early. Now, it’s quite clear that endoscopy detects GERD, ulcers, polyps, and gastrointestinal cancers. Different types of endoscopy tests help examine specific parts of the digestive system. So, it’s your condition that defines whether you need EGD, colonoscopy, ERCP, or EUS. Each procedure helps identify diseases before they become severe. Early detection allows doctors to start treatment on time. If you need an endoscopy test in Lahore, consult Dr. Fahd Aziz Rana. He is the best endoscopist specialist in Lahore. Book an appointment today for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
FAQs
What to expect during an endoscopy procedure?
The endoscopy specialist inserts an endoscope through the oral cavity for an EGD or through the rectum for a colonoscopy. A sedative is given to prevent discomfort. The camera captures images and transfers them to a screen. The gastroenterologist may also take a biopsy or remove abnormal growths if needed.
How many days of rest are required after an endoscopy?
Most patients return to normal activities the next day. If general anesthesia was used, recovery may take 24 hours. Patients who had polyp removal or a biopsy should rest for a day. Heavy physical activities and weight lifting must be avoided for 48 hours.
How soon can you eat after an endoscopy?
Patients can drink water after one hour of endoscopy test and minimally invasive endoscopy procedure if there is no nausea. Soft foods like yogurt and porridge can be eaten within four to six hours. If a biopsy was performed, acidic and spicy foods should be avoided. Eating heavy meals should also be avoided for 24 hours.
What precautions should be taken after endoscopy?
Driving should be avoided for 24 hours if the endoscopy specialist uses sedation. Alcohol and heavy meals should also be avoided. If a biopsy was taken, avoid hot drinks and spicy foods. After ERCP or EUS, follow the doctor’s instructions about fasting and medication. Report severe pain, vomiting, or bleeding immediately.
Can anything bad happen during an endoscopy?
The endoscopy procedure is safe. Rare complications include bleeding, infection, or perforation. The risk is slightly higher in procedures like ERCP or polyp removal. Mild symptoms like bloating or a sore throat disappear in one to two days. Severe pain or persistent vomiting needs urgent care.
