What is the endoscopy used for and what needs to be done before the examination
An endoscopy is most commonly used to investigate symptoms and help to diagnose conditions relating to the digestive system, although it can be deployed to produce images and aid with many other parts of the body, including the respiratory system, the urinary tract, and the female reproductive system. An endoscope can also be used to assist with surgery.
The most common symptoms that endoscopy investigates include the following:
abdominal pain
nausea and vomiting
unexplained weight loss
diarrhoea
blood in the stool
vomiting blood
You may be required to avoid food and liquids for a period beforehand, depending on what type of endoscopy you are undergoing. In the case of a colonoscopy, you might be given laxatives to help you evacuate any stool beforehand. You may also be required to stop taking certain medication, such as blood thinners, to prevent excess bleeding from the procedure.
