Endoscopy is a medical procedure that helps physicians to look inside the esophagus,
stomach, duodenum (first part of the small intestine) and colon with an instrument
called an endoscope. Endoscopy can be used to determine the cause of symptoms,
evaluate and treat some conditions/diseases in the GI tract, bile duct and
pancreas.
With endoscopy, physicians can see abnormalities, like inflammation or bleeding,
through the endoscope that does not show up well on x-rays. The physician can
also insert instruments into the scope to remove samples of tissue (biopsy)
for further tests or treat bleeding abnormalities.
Two tests, in particular, that are performed with the endoscopic procedure
include pancreatic and biliary manometry and esophageal manometry or esophageal
motility.
Pancreatic and biliary manometry is an endoscopic procedure that measures
pressure in a certain area such as the biliary duct. This procedure has been
proven over the years as the best way to diagnose certain diseases and disorders.
Esophageal manometry is an endoscopic procedure used to determine how well
the muscles of the esophagus work when diseases of the muscle are suspected.
The test actually records the muscle pressures within the esophagus and evaluates
the action of the muscles.