Polypectomy is the removal of a polyp from the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A polyp is a visible growth that projects into the hollow (“luminal”) space of the gut. Polypectomy is most commonly performed during colonoscopy, but it can also be done in the upper GI tract. It is used for both diagnosis (tissue assessment) and treatment (removing potentially harmful lesions).
Biopsy means taking a small sample of tissue or cells from the body. The sample is examined under a microscope by a pathologist. In gastroenterology, Biopsy is commonly obtained during endoscopy or with image-guided needles. It helps connect symptoms and test results to a specific tissue-level diagnosis.
Endoscopic Ultrasound is a procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound imaging in a single exam. It uses a flexible scope with an ultrasound probe to see the digestive tract wall and nearby organs in detail. It is commonly used in gastroenterology to evaluate the pancreas, bile ducts, and GI (gastrointestinal) tract tumors. It can also guide needle sampling and certain minimally invasive therapies.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that combines endoscopy and X-ray imaging to evaluate the bile ducts and pancreatic duct. It is commonly used in hospitals and endoscopy units by gastroenterologists and GI surgical teams. ERCP can be diagnostic, but it is most often used to treat specific duct problems. It is a key tool in hepatobiliary and pancreatic care when duct drainage or therapy is needed.
Enteroscopy is an endoscopic technique used to examine the small intestine (and sometimes adjacent GI segments). It uses a flexible camera-equipped scope to visualize, diagnose, and sometimes treat problems inside the bowel. It is commonly used when standard upper endoscopy and colonoscopy cannot fully evaluate the suspected area. It is most often performed by gastroenterologists in endoscopy units, and sometimes in the operating room for complex cases.
Capsule Endoscopy is a diagnostic test that uses a swallowable camera capsule to take pictures of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is most commonly used to visualize the small intestine, which is harder to reach with standard endoscopy. The capsule transmits images to a recorder worn outside the body as it moves with normal gut motility. Clinicians review the recorded video to look for bleeding, inflammation, or other mucosal abnormalities.
Sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the rectum and the lower part of the colon. It uses a thin, lighted tube to look directly at the bowel lining (mucosa). It is commonly used in gastroenterology to evaluate lower gastrointestinal symptoms. It can also be used to collect tissue samples (biopsies) for diagnosis.
Colonoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the colon (large intestine) and rectum. It uses a flexible camera to directly view the inner lining (mucosa). It is commonly used in gastroenterology to evaluate symptoms and detect disease. It can also be used to treat certain findings during the same session.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It uses a flexible camera to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). EGD is commonly used in gastroenterology, hepatology, and GI surgery to evaluate symptoms and confirm diagnoses. It can be diagnostic (looking and sampling) and, in selected cases, therapeutic (treating problems during the same session).
Upper Endoscopy is a procedure that lets clinicians look directly at the inside lining of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is commonly performed by gastroenterologists using a flexible camera called an endoscope. It evaluates the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It is used in hospitals, outpatient endoscopy centers, and some urgent settings to assess symptoms and guide diagnosis.