Endoscopy
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 is an endoscope?
An endoscope is a thin, sterile, lighted tube, either rigid or flexible, container glass fibers and fiber optic 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 is 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 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.
Why does endoscopic procedures cost so much?
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 972-529-5033 or 972-239-1309.