What are the 5 special procedures of the gastrointestinal system
1. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: This procedure, also known as gastroscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), involves the insertion of a flexible tube through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. It is used to diagnose conditions such as ulcers, inflammation, tumors, and bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
2. Colonoscopy: This procedure involves the insertion of a long, flexible tube through the rectum to examine the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Colonoscopy is commonly used for screening and diagnosing conditions such as colon polyps, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.
3. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): ERCP is a specialized procedure that combines endoscopy and X-ray imaging to diagnose and treat conditions in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. It is used to remove gallstones, open blocked bile ducts, and treat various pancreatic disorders.
4. Capsule endoscopy: This procedure involves swallowing a small, wireless camera capsule that takes pictures of the gastrointestinal tract as it passes through the digestive system. It is primarily used to diagnose conditions in the small intestine, such as Crohn's disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and small bowel tumors.
5. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): EUS combines endoscopy and ultrasound imaging to examine the gastrointestinal tract and nearby organs in more detail. It is used for the evaluation of tumors, staging of cancer, and the guidance of needle biopsies. EUS can also help visualize and sample lymph nodes and lesions that are not easily accessible by other methods.