We asked one of the area's most experienced General Surgeons, Dr. Firooz Taghizadeh, to answer some of our patients' most commonly asked questions about endoscopy, which is often referred to as "keyhole surgery" or "minimally invasive surgery."
What is it?
Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a long, hollow, flexible or rigid tube (an "endoscope") connected to an eyepiece that is inserted through a tiny "keyhole" incision into a body cavity or a specific organ. A light on the far end of the tube lights up the area to be examined. "Your doctor will then look through the tube to check for any abnormalities, take tissue samples, or even perform simple surgery," explains Dr. Taghizadeh. Some endoscopes may contain a small video chip which projects the image onto a screen. "Removal of the appendix, hernia surgery and bowel surgery are some of the most common procedures that require an endoscope."
Is it Painful?
It can cause minor discomfort, but depending on the procedure, most patients are given either a general or local anesthetic and/or a sedative to help them relax. Most procedures last only 30 minutes to one hour, not including preparation.
What are the Benefits of Endoscopy vs. Invasive Surgery?
Because your doctor is not making the large incisions necessary for major surgery, the trauma to the body's tissues is considerably less serious. "There's less pain and a much faster recovery," says Dr.Taghizadeh. "In many cases, you can be back at work in a day or two."
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