What are the two types of endoscopy procedures?

There are two main types of endoscopy procedures:

Diagnostic endoscopy: This type of endoscopy is used to diagnose medical conditions. During a diagnostic endoscopy, a flexible tube with a camera and light source attached (an endoscope) is inserted through a natural opening in the body, such as the mouth or anus. The endoscope allows the physician to view the inside of the body and identify any abnormalities or conditions.

Examples of diagnostic endoscopy procedures include:

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: Used to examine the upper digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Colonoscopy: Used to examine the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

Bronchoscopy: Used to examine the air passages and lungs.

Cystoscopy: Used to examine the bladder and urinary tract.

Therapeutic endoscopy: This type of endoscopy is used to treat medical conditions. During a therapeutic endoscopy, specialized tools are passed through the endoscope to perform a variety of procedures, such as removing tissue, stopping bleeding, or placing stents.

Examples of therapeutic endoscopy procedures include:

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Used to treat problems in the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts.

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR): Used to remove abnormal tissue or growths from the digestive tract.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): Used to examine the digestive tract and surrounding tissues, and to guide biopsies or other procedures.

Overall, both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures are valuable tools in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of medical conditions. The specific type of endoscopy procedure recommended will depend on the patient's individual needs and medical history.