Difference between endoscopy and gastroscopy

Medicine / Health
2023-05-23T04:14:47+00:00

Difference between endoscopy and gastroscopy

Introduction

Endoscopy and gastroscopy are two medical procedures used to examine the inside of the gastrointestinal tract, but they are often confused with each other. Although both procedures are performed in a similar way, there are important differences between them.

What is endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that is used to examine the inside of the gastrointestinal tract using an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a small camera on the end. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and moved along the gastrointestinal tract to examine internal organs.

types of endoscopy

There are different types of endoscopy that can be done to examine different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, such as:

  • Colonoscopy: examine the colon
  • Enteroscopy: examines the small intestine
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: examines the bile ducts and pancreas

What is gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is also a medical procedure used to examine the inside of the gastrointestinal tract, but focuses specifically on the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A special instrument called a gastroscope is used, which is inserted through the mouth and moved along the gastrointestinal tract to examine internal organs.

What is the difference between endoscopy and gastroscopy?

The main difference between endoscopy and gastroscopy is the area that is examined. While endoscopy can examine the entire gastrointestinal tract, including the colon and small intestine, gastroscopy focuses only on the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Another difference is the type of instrument used: the endoscope is a long, flexible tube, while the gastroscope is shorter and more rigid to allow access to narrower areas.

Conclusion

Although endoscopy and gastroscopy are performed similarly, it is important to understand the difference between the two to determine which procedure is appropriate for each situation. If the entire gastrointestinal tract needs to be examined, an endoscopy should be performed. If only the esophagus, stomach and duodenum need to be examined, gastroscopy should be performed.

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