Modern endoscopic methods in gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system. Endoscopy is an integral part of a gastroenterologist's work, allowing accurate examination and performance of various therapeutic procedures. In recent years, endoscopic methods have developed significantly, introducing new technologies and improving the efficiency of diagnosis. In this article, we will present the latest endoscopic methods used in gastroenterology.

Endoscopic capsule

One of the latest advances in endoscopy is the endoscopic capsule, which allows the gastrointestinal tract to be examined without the use of a traditional endoscopic tube. The capsule is equipped with a small camera that captures images as it travels through the digestive tract. The patient swallows the capsule and can function normally, while at the same time the image from the capsule is transmitted to a monitor, allowing an accurate assessment of the condition of the intestinal mucosa.

The endoscopic capsule is particularly useful in the diagnosis of diseases of the small intestine, which were previously difficult to access by traditional endoscopic methods. Swallowing the capsule is painless and non-invasive, making this method well tolerated by patients. With the endoscopic capsule, it is possible to detect and evaluate the condition of the mucosa in cases of inflammatory diseases, polyps, ulcers and other pathologies of the small intestine.

Ultrasound endoscopy

Ultrasound endoscopy is another significant advance in the diagnosis and treatment of gastroenterological diseases. This endoscopic technique uses a probe equipped with an ultrasonic transducer, which is placed inside the lumen of the endoscope. This makes it possible to obtain ultrasound images that penetrate the layers of tissue and allow evaluation of its structure.

Ultrasoundendoscopy is particularly useful in the diagnosis of tumors of the digestive system. With its help, it is possible to very accurately localize tumor lesions, assess their extent and determine whether the disease has spread to nearby tissues. In addition, ultrasound endoscopy allows for aspiration puncture, which is the collection of samples of tumor tissue for histopathological examination.

Chromoendoscopy

Chromoendoscopy is an endoscopic technique that involves injecting special dyes into the mucosa of the digestive system. With this procedure, it is possible to visualize changes in the mucosa that are invisible to traditional endoscopy. The dyes used in chromoendoscopy allow better identification of polyps, adenomas and areas of abnormal mucosa.

Chromoendoscopy is particularly useful in diagnosing and monitoring Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases. Dyes injected during chromoendoscopy allow a more precise assessment of inflammation and monitoring of the effectiveness of therapy.

Summary

Modern endoscopic methods are revolutionizing the field of gastroenterology, enabling accurate diagnosis and effective therapy of gastrointestinal diseases. Endoscopic capsule, ultrasound endoscopy and chromoendoscopy are just some of the techniques used, which provide new opportunities for the work of the gastroenterologist. Thanks to them, patients can count on accurate diagnosis, faster treatment and higher efficiency of therapy.