Is gastrointestinal endoscopy harmful to the body?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Gastrointestinal endoscopy generally involves colonoscopy and gastroscopy, which can help diagnose whether the gastrointestinal mucosa has ulcers, erosion, inflammation, or other abnormalities. Although it is usually safe, it is an invasive procedure that may cause abrasions to the throat or gastric mucosa. Particularly during biopsy sampling, bleeding may occur. However, such injuries are typically mild and do not pose significant harm to the body.
Gastrointestinal endoscopy is generally considered a safe procedure and usually causes minimal harm to the body.
This procedure typically involves using an endoscope or colonoscope to examine the patient's esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, and rectum through the mouth and anus. It helps diagnose conditions such as ulcers, erosion, and inflammation in the gastrointestinal mucosa. It also allows for biopsy of abnormal mucosal tissues for histopathological examination. This diagnostic method is generally highly safe, but since it is an invasive procedure, it may cause minor abrasions to the throat or gastric mucosa. Especially when a biopsy is performed, localized bleeding may occur. However, such injuries are usually mild and can fully heal with proper recovery care, posing no significant risk to health.
Although gastrointestinal endoscopy is a routine procedure, it is generally contraindicated in patients with severe cardiopulmonary diseases, suspected gastrointestinal perforation, or severe throat conditions, to avoid serious complications.
