What is an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a quick, in-office test to examine the inside of your body using a small bendable tube called an endoscope. An endoscope can be inserted orally via the mouth or through the anal region, depending on what needs to be investigated.

An endoscopy carried out via the anus is referred to as a colonoscopy. Primarily, a colonoscopy is carried out to assess the health of your bowels. In contrast, a gastroscopy is done to examine the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Why do you perform an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a widely-performed medical procedure involving inserting a slender tube with a light and video camera attached to analyse a specific organ or tissue in detail.

An endoscopy is an ideal investigative procedure to collect tissue samples for analysis and test for conditions causing internal bleeding, inflammation, diarrhoea and anaemia. An endoscopy can also confirm or rule out cancer in the upper digestive tract.

A colonoscopy, a commonly performed form of endoscopy, helps diagnose the cause of stomach pain, bleeding inside the rectum, diarrhoea and intestinal issues.

How does Dr Toma perform an endoscopy/colonoscopy?

Dr Toma can perform endoscopy for diagnostic purposes or surgical reasons. Depending on the patient's symptoms, an endoscope can be inserted through the mouth or anus. However, an endoscope can also be passed through tiny incisions made over the area that needs to be examined. Typically, Dr Toma performs an endoscopy orally or through the anus, depending on the problem that needs to be addressed. In addition, an ultrasound can be done in conjunction with endoscopy to retrieve images of the digestive tract.

A colonoscopy is done via the anus. So, you remain flat on the surgical table while Dr Toma inserts the colonoscope through the anus. Afterwards, he guides the instrument through the rectum into the colon. Finally, Dr Toma pumps harmless gas into the space for him to see the colon entirely. The camera at the end of the scope captures images projected onto a monitor in Dr Toma’s surgical room. Should Dr Toma find colon polyps, he will remove them during the procedure and send the samples to the laboratory for analysis. Colon polyp removal is a preventative measure against cancer because most forms of cancer develop in the polyp first.

How does Dr Toma perform a gastroscopy

A telescope-like instrument (gastroscope) is used for several reasons, such as the removal of tissue for biopsy, prevention against excessive bleeding from an ulcer and the resection of polyps. Dr Toma sprays the throat to numb the inside. Before this, he makes sure you have removed dentures or any form of plating in the mouth.

Most patients are sedated. However, some patients receive sedatives through their arms intravenously. Dr Toma inserts the gastroscope orally via the mouth and passes the tube through the stomach into the upper portion of the small bowel. Normally, the exam takes five to ten minutes, depending on what needs to be done.

What can I expect after an endoscopy?

Whether done in the hospital scopes suite or a private scope suite at 91 Cape Road (Complete Gut Care), the sedation usually wears off after half an hour to the point where the patient can go home. It is critical to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.