Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Department

Advantages of Diagnostic and Interventional Endoscopy

Endoscopy is an advanced medical technique that allows physicians to closely examine lesions within the gastrointestinal tract using a flexible, camera-equipped scope, while simultaneously performing therapeutic interventions such as polyp removal, hemostasis, and foreign body extraction.

Compared to conventional surgery, this technique offers multiple advantages, including the ability to diagnose and treat in a single procedure, minimal invasiveness, high safety, rapid recovery, and excellent diagnostic accuracy. Specifically:

• Interventional endoscopic procedures—such as ulcer bleeding control, polyp removal, and foreign body extraction—can be performed immediately during diagnostic endoscopy.
• Significantly reduces pain, leaves no scars, and lowers the risk of complications compared to traditional surgery, including reduced intestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, and postoperative discomfort.
• Short recovery time with minimal impact on overall health; shorter anesthesia duration and lower anesthetic dosage ensure safety, even for elderly patients or those with underlying medical conditions.
• With sedation endoscopy, patients remain still throughout the procedure, enabling clearer visualization and more accurate assessment. Combined with advanced equipment, this supports early detection of serious conditions such as tumors, polyps, Crohn’s disease, small intestinal ulcers, and subtle mucosal lesions.

1. Commonly Applied Endoscopic Techniques

Currently, gastrointestinal endoscopy is widely performed using conventional (non-sedated) endoscopy and painless (sedated) endoscopy, conducted via the oral or anal route depending on the organ being examined.

In addition, more advanced techniques—such as chromoendoscopy and narrow-band imaging (NBI)—are utilized to provide more detailed diagnostic assessment.

Interventional techniques, including polypectomy, endoscopic hemostasis, and stent placement, are also commonly performed.

2. Emerging Endoscopic Techniques in the Future

Rapid advancements in imaging technology, artificial intelligence, and modern medical equipment have paved the way for innovative endoscopic techniques that enhance diagnostic accuracy, interventional capabilities, and procedural safety. Notable examples include:

• AI-assisted Endoscopy: Automatically detects polyps and classifies lesions, supporting physicians in making more accurate clinical decisions.
• Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Surgery (LESS): A minimally invasive urologic surgical technique that reduces postoperative scarring.
• Robotic-Assisted Endoscopy: Enables surgeons to perform procedures remotely with greater precision and minimal invasiveness.
• Cryoablation Therapy: Uses cold temperatures to ablate mucosal lesions endoscopically, with fewer complications compared to thermal ablation.
• Next-generation Gastrointestinal Stents: Including covered stents and biodegradable stents, designed to safely and effectively treat gastrointestinal strictures and fistulas.
• Advanced Hemostatic Materials: Smart polymer gels and bioactive powders that rapidly adhere to tissues and effectively control bleeding.

Indications for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Endoscopy may be recommended in the following cases:

• Symptoms suggestive of digestive diseases such as epigastric pain, acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, nausea, black stools, or blood in stool
• Need for biopsy to confirm diagnosis
• Therapeutic interventions such as polyp removal, tumor excision, foreign body extraction, or bleeding control
• Follow-up evaluation after treatment of gastric, esophageal, or duodenal diseases
• High-risk individuals, including those with a family history of gastrointestinal cancer or chronic gastritis

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Process at Thien Nhan Hospital

At Thien Nhan Hospital, the gastrointestinal endoscopy process is developed in accordance with high-quality standards, ensuring a PAINLESS, NAUSEA-FREE, SAFE experience while delivering accurate diagnostic results.

Step 1: Clinical Examination, Medical History Review, and Necessary Tests (if indicated)

Patients are examined and consulted by a physician, who reviews their medical history, medication use, and disease progression. Based on clinical assessment, the doctor may prescribe relevant laboratory tests or imaging studies (if necessary) to ensure safety before gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Step 2: Medication Dispensing and Preparation Guidance

Depending on the type of gastrointestinal endoscopy, patients are provided with appropriate medications and instructions by endoscopy technicians:

For upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: Simethicone is administered to reduce foam accumulation in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, improving visualization and enabling clearer, more accurate detection of small lesions while minimizing missed diagnoses.

For colonoscopy: Bowel-cleansing medication is provided to ensure optimal visualization of the colon, facilitate a smooth procedure, and maximize safety during diagnostic and interventional endoscopy.

Step 3: Changing and Entering the Endoscopy Room

Patients receive endoscopy attire from the medical staff and are guided into the endoscopy room. The endoscopist explains the procedure and provides pre-procedure counseling. An anesthesiologist then administers sedation to ensure the patient remains comfortable, pain-free, and free from discomfort throughout the procedure.

Step 4: Performing the Endoscopy

The physician inserts a flexible endoscope equipped with a camera and light source into the patient’s gastrointestinal tract. Real-time images are displayed on a monitor, allowing accurate visualization and detection of lesions (if any). When indicated, the physician may perform biopsy sampling, polypectomy, endoscopic hemostasis, or foreign body removal during the procedure.

Step 5: Completion of Endoscopy and Recovery

After the procedure, patients are transferred to the recovery room for observation. During this time, they are provided with a complimentary light meal while awaiting their results.

Step 6: Specialist Consultation and Treatment Planning

Based on the endoscopy findings, the specialist provides a detailed analysis and explains any detected abnormalities. Patients receive clear consultation on the most appropriate treatment plan—including medication, lifestyle modifications, or interventional procedures—ensuring full understanding of their health status and next steps in care.

Important Notes Before, During, and After Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

To ensure that sedated gastrointestinal endoscopy is performed smoothly, safely, and with optimal results, patients are advised to note the following:

Before Endoscopy

Complete all required laboratory tests and relevant diagnostic examinations as prescribed by the physician to ensure you are medically fit for endoscopy.

Strictly follow fasting instructions before the procedure to allow clear visualization of the gastrointestinal mucosa and accurate detection of lesions, if any.

• For upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: Patients should fast and avoid milk, soft drinks, fruit juices, coffee, and similar beverages for at least 6–8 hours before the procedure. Do not drink plain water within 1 hour before endoscopy to prevent the risk of aspiration into the lungs.
• For colonoscopy: On the day before the procedure, avoid high-fiber foods and foods containing seeds such as dragon fruit, tomatoes, cucumbers, chili peppers, and watermelon. On the evening before the procedure, consume light, liquid, and easily digestible foods such as porridge or soup. In addition, bowel-cleansing medication should be taken strictly according to the nurse’s instructions.

Provide a complete and accurate medical history, including existing medical conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma), current medications, and any history of drug allergies (if applicable), so the anesthesiologist can assess potential risks.

Sedated endoscopy may cause drowsiness or fatigue after recovery; therefore, patients are advised to be accompanied by a family member for safe transportation home.

During Endoscopy

• Remain relaxed, breathe normally, and follow the physician’s instructions to ensure safety during the procedure. With sedated gastrointestinal endoscopy, the experience is similar to a comfortable sleep—completely painless and without discomfort—so there is no need for concern.
• Avoid swallowing saliva during the procedure. If you feel the urge to swallow, relax and allow the physician to suction excess secretions as needed.

After Endoscopy

• After the procedure, patients should rest at the facility for approximately 1–2 hours to allow for full recovery.
• During the first few days, consume soft, liquid, and easily digestible foods (such as porridge or soup), and avoid spicy foods, hot foods, and alcoholic beverages to prevent gastric irritation.
• Within 24 hours after endoscopy, avoid driving or engaging in strenuous physical activities, as the effects of sedatives or anesthetic medications may persist.
• Monitor your health closely and notify your physician immediately if any abnormal symptoms occur, such as severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, vomiting, fever, or blood in the stool, so that timely medical intervention can be provided.