Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to closely observe organs in the digestive tract, detect lesions early, and perform minimally invasive biopsies to check for diseases. Dr. Vu Truong Khanh, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, considers gastrointestinal endoscopy to be the “gold standard” for examining, diagnosing, and intervening in diseases of the upper and lower digestive tracts. Using a soft, small-diameter tube with a camera attached to it, doctors can diagnose conditions of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and colon.
During the procedure, the patient is given light anesthesia, allowing the doctor to complete the endoscopy without missing even the smallest lesions. This method offers several advantages, including the ability to check the digestive tract carefully. The camera attached to the end of the endoscope allows the doctor to closely observe and examine the organs of the digestive tract, making it easier to detect lesions, causes of bleeding, and other problems that may not be visible through other imaging techniques.
In addition to careful observation, gastrointestinal endoscopy helps identify the underlying causes of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain, unexplained weight loss, constipation, diarrhea, and black stools. By examining the intestinal mucosa, doctors can quickly determine the cause of these symptoms and provide appropriate treatment. The procedure also enables minimally invasive biopsies, which are crucial for identifying diseases like malignancies, rare conditions such as celiac disease, and other abnormalities.
Furthermore, gastrointestinal endoscopy can be used to treat conditions like biliary obstruction and to perform early cancer screenings through procedures such as polypectomy. Removing gallstones and identifying and removing polyps can prevent complications and progressions to more serious conditions like cancer. Dr. Khanh recommends that patients with gastrointestinal symptoms seek early examination by a gastroenterology specialist to determine whether endoscopy is necessary for diagnosis and treatment. Regular screenings starting at age 40-50 can help detect cancer early and improve treatment outcomes.