Flexible endoscopy
Introduction
Uses
- A minimally invasive method of visualizing and examining the mucosal surface of the gastrointestinal, respiratory and urinary tracts.
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Advantages
- Minimally invasive technique.
- Well-tolerated by the patient.
- Requires only light anesthesia.
- Good visualization of the mucosa.
- Able to collect biopsy samples for histological examination.
- Follow up procedures well-tolerated and permit progress to be monitored.
- Minor surgical corrections possible.
- Foreign body retrieval possible.
Disadvantages
- Not possible to examine the entire gastrointestinal tract.
- Lesions deeper than the mucosa will be missed.
- Limited ability to carry out surgical corrections.
- Equipment is expensive.
- Requires high level of technical skill.
Technical problems
- Difficult to carry out.
- Considerable patient preparation is required.
- Must ensure the gastrointestinal tract is empty.
- Induction of general anesthesia.
Decision taking
Risk assessment
- Variable depending on which procedure is being carried out and skill of operator. May include:
- Ruptured viscus.
- Hemorrhage.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
Other sources of information
- Thomas D, Simpson J W & Hall E J (eds) (1996)BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology.1st edn.
- Tams T R (1990)Small Animal Endoscopy.Mosby Books, St Louis.