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Let’s go take a look!
One of the marvels of modern medical science lets us take
our television cameras all the way into the body to look
for possible problems. If we find something unusual, we
can take samples and check them out. In any number of cases,
if there is a problem, we can fix it at the same time.
All this without the pain and trauma of traditional cutting
and stitching. As veterinary surgeons, we just love working
with this system and seeing the joy of quick recovery.
The system is called ENDOSCOPY.
Now let’s look a little deeper!
WHAT’S AN ENDOSCOPE?
An endoscope is a thin, sterile, lighted tube, either rigid
or flexible, container glass fibers and fiberoptic fittings.
It can be looked through with the naked eye or a small
camera can be attached to the free end to project images
on a TV monitor. Instruments can also be inserted through
the tube to perform various surgical functions.
WHAT’S ENDOSCOPY?
 Whilst an animal is anesthetized, the veterinarian inserts
an endoscope to take a first-hand look at the inside of
a body cavity, internal organ or joint to find and identify
any problem areas. The scope can blow air or saline into
the body to expand the folds of tissue to make it easier
to examine. Endoscopy is more accurate than x-ray – and
even ultrasound in some cases - for detecting inflammation
or small lesions such as ulcers, tumors, or foreign objects
within the reach of the instrument. Its other major advantage
over x-ray and ultrasound is the ability to perform biopsies.
SO WHAT’S A BIOPSY?
A biopsy is taking a small sample of tissue for microscopic
examination to determine its nature. Biopsies are taken
for many reasons including determining whether a lesion
is benign or malignant (cancerous).
WHAT ABOUT ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY?
Instruments inserted through the endoscope allow the veterinarian
to treat many of the conditions that may be detected. These
include treating gastrointestinal bleeding, removing growths
such as polyps or of accidentally swallowed objects and
stretching narrowed areas.
WHAT’S THE BEST ABOUT ENDOSCOPY?
We know that in humans, endoscopy and endoscopic surgery
reduces pain and pain-induced morbidity. No reason that
this should be any different with our pets. We know too,
that there is a marked reduction in blood loss, post-operative
infection occurrences, and length of hospitalization when
compared to conventional surgical procedures. Consequently,
recovery is much faster.
Endoscopy is less invasive and allows for very accurate
diagnosis or treatment of many disease conditions. Best of
all, once a problem has been identified, it can potentially
be biopsied and/or repaired during the same patient visit.
ENDOSCOPES
DON'T COME CHEAP
Costs vary with the size and species of your pet and with
the exact procedures performed. Barring complication, a
typical endoscopic procedure – including a physical exam,
preliminary blood testing, hospitalization, fluid therapy,
anesthesia, and histopathology - might cost several hundred
dollars. Yes! It is quite an investment but when we consider
the many advantages,
we think it’s a bargain.
We at Chastain Veterinary
Medical Group feel that it is vital for you to be fully
informed about your
pet’s
care. If you feel you need more
information on Endoscopy or any other procedure, please call
. . .
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