Endoscopy

Several locations at Atlantic Health System perform endoscopy procedures, which is when a doctor uses a tube-like instrument to look inside the body. There are many types of endoscopies. Depending on the area of the body being looked at, the endoscope may be put in the mouth or anus. Sometimes, it’s put through a small cut made in the skin.

Why an Endoscopy?

Doctors prescribe endoscopies for a variety of reasons:

• Look more closely at an area inside the body
• Take samples of abnormal tissues
• Treat certain diseases
• Remove tumors
• Stop bleeding
• Remove foreign bodies (such as food stuck in the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach)

Preparation

If you are going to have an endoscopy, your doctor will explain to you what will be done and what to expect before, during, and after the test. They will also tell you what you need to do to prepare for the procedure. The preparation could mean that you must not eat anything for a certain amount of time, follow a liquid diet for a certain amount of time, and perhaps use laxatives or enemas.