What is Endoscopic Examination?
An
endoscopic examination is a minimally invasive diagnostic medical procedure used to assess the interior surfaces of an organ by inserting a tube-like instrument called an
endoscope. This technique is pivotal in
histology for obtaining tissue samples, observing pathological changes, and aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions.
Gastroscopy: Examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine.
Colonoscopy: Inspects the entire colon and rectum.
Bronchoscopy: Looks into the airways and lungs.
Cystoscopy: Used to view the bladder.
Laparoscopy: Allows inspection of the abdominal and pelvic organs.
Preparation: The patient may need to fast or undergo bowel preparation, depending on the type of endoscopy.
Sedation: Often, sedation is administered to ensure patient comfort.
Insertion: The endoscope is gently inserted into the body cavity being examined.
Visual Inspection: The endoscope transmits images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to visually inspect the tissues.
Biopsy: Special instruments can be passed through the endoscope to take small tissue samples.
Fixation: The tissue sample is preserved using chemicals like formalin to prevent degradation.
Embedding: The fixed sample is embedded in a solid medium, usually paraffin wax, to allow thin sectioning.
Sectioning: The embedded sample is sliced into very thin sections using a microtome.
Staining: The sections are stained with specific dyes to highlight different cellular components.
Microscopic Examination: The stained sections are examined under a microscope by a histologist or pathologist.
Conclusion
Endoscopic examination is an invaluable tool in histology, facilitating the acquisition of biopsy samples for detailed microscopic analysis. It bridges the gap between clinical observation and microscopic diagnosis, enhancing the ability to diagnose and treat various medical conditions effectively.
