When you hear “endoscopy,” you might picture a camera-tube exploring the stomach or colon. But endoscopy has grown far beyond simple visuals, and at STAR Hospitals, we keep up with these new advancements. Endoscopy is now about seeing better, doing less, and tailoring treatment to you.

Let us see how things have changed and how that benefits you.

What has changed in how we “see” inside the gut

Years ago, endoscopes gave a basic view of the stomach or large intestine. Technology now offers high-definition, sharper imaging and sometimes computer-based detection of abnormalities. It means doctors can spot issues earlier and more clearly. Traditional systems struggled with subtle changes. For example, detecting early surface changes in the digestive lining was harder because lighting and contrast were limited. This delayed diagnosis of conditions like early cancers.

At STAR Hospitals, the gastroenterology team lists advanced options such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, therapeutic ERCP, EUS (endoscopic ultrasound) and more. With better imaging and tools, the focus shifts from spotting the abnormality to treating it in the most precise and least invasive way possible.

Moving from diagnosis to minimally invasive treatment

Beyond just observing, endoscopy now often involves treatment during the same procedure. Some such services offered at STAR Hospitals are:

• EMR (Endoscopic Mucosal Resection)

This is a minimally invasive procedure that removes abnormal or cancerous lesions from the lining of the digestive tract using an endoscope. The flexible tube with a camera is inserted down the throat or through the anus to reach the lesion, following which a solution is injected to lift the lesion and remove it by cutting. This is often used to remove precancerous or early-stage cancerous growths from the gastrointestinal tract.

• ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection)

This technique also helps in removing lesions through a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. A gastroenterologist uses an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera, to insert specialised tools through the mouth or anus to cut and remove the tumour from the submucosal layer of the GI wall. This advanced technique is particularly used in the cases of superficial lesions.

Advantages:

The above-listed endoscopic procedures are advantageous to the patient and the medical care team:

• Less cutting and fewer scars

•  Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery

• Less painful and quicker return to normal life activities

Handling more complex areas with smart tools

Some endoscopic procedures now enable us to reach places that were once difficult to access, such as small bowel loops, bile ducts, and the pancreas. When coupled with advanced imaging techniques, these procedures help treat complicated medical conditions faster and more precisely.

• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is a procedure that uses an endoscope and X-rays to spot, diagnose and treat problems such as bile drainage, gallstones, or tumours. This is done by injecting dyes into the organs to highlight them in X-ray, to find and treat the tissues that otherwise are difficult to visualise.

• EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound) integrates endoscopy and ultrasound to obtain clear and precise images of the organs of the GI tract. Faster diagnosis is made possible.

• In DBE (Double Balloon Enteroscopy), a long flexible endoscope with two balloons is used to navigate the small intestine, allowing for a detailed view and interventions like bleeding control and tumour removal.

Personalised gastrointestinal care at its best

At the heart of the innovation that is now driving our hospital is the offer of tailored, personalised care for each patient.

• Assessment: We assess your background (age, risk factors like family history, symptoms) and use the data to determine whether you need a simple scope or a more advanced one.

• Choice of procedure: If a lesion is found early, the team might choose EMR/ESD or another advanced endoscopic method rather than a full surgery. 

• After care: STAR Hospitals emphasises follow-up and coordination that involves special care in nutrition, further investigations, and monitoring.

This systematic and patient-centric approach makes it possible to deliver more precise, less invasive and more specific treatments.

Why advanced, personalised care matters for your health

• Earlier detection: When abnormalities are caught early (even at the “micro” level), your chances of successful treatment go up. Technologies that better visualise the lining or use enhanced imaging make that possible.

• Less trauma: Minimally invasive treatments mean less pain, fewer complications and shorter recovery.

• Better experience: At a facility like STAR Hospitals, which has a dedicated gastro-unit and advanced endoscopic capabilities across locations in Hyderabad, you benefit from specialist teams and up-to-date methods.

• Personal fit: Because they offer both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, the approach is smoother. It is not just a test, but a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and conditions.

What a Patient Should Know Before Endoscopy

• If you are asked to undergo an endoscopy, know that it could be the “looking in” type or it may also become a “fix it” type, with a scope to treat. This depends on what is required.

• Ask your doctor questions about the goals of the procedure and clear your doubts.

• Recovery expectations: Less invasive means faster recovery. Know in advance how long you’ll stay in the hospital, any diet restrictions, and the follow-up needed.

• Choose the right centre: Pick a centre with comprehensive options for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. STAR Hospitals in Hyderabad offers these endoscopic and gastroenterology services in its Medical Gastroenterology department.

• Do not delay if you have risk factors (age, family history, symptoms like unexplained weight loss, bleeding, persistent pain). Advanced endoscopy can make a difference.

In Short

Endoscopy has evolved. What once was simply a diagnostic procedure can now also mean treatment and intervention in the least invasive way. At STAR Hospitals, the gastroenterology team uses modern methods (EMR, ESD, EUS, advanced colonoscopy), offers personalised care and aims for better outcomes with less invasiveness.

Whether you’re facing routine screening or a more serious digestive-health issue, access the best of what modern gastro-care can provide at STAR Hospitals. To know more details or book an appointment, call 1800-102-7827 today.

FAQs

Q1. If I undergo an endoscopy and they find a small lesion, will I need open surgery?
Not necessarily. Modern techniques like EMR or ESD allow the removal of early lesions via the endoscope. That means avoiding open surgery if the conditions are right.

Q2. Are there risks to procedures like endoscopy?
Yes. Even minimally invasive procedures carry some risk. Bleeding, infection, and small perforations are a few. But at a specialist hospital experienced in these techniques, those risks are lower and managed carefully.

Q3. What should I ask my doctor before my endoscopy?
Ask: “What kind of endoscopy are you planning? What are you looking for? If you find something, what’s the plan? What recovery can I expect?” Also ask about sedation, hospital stay, and follow-up.

Q4. How soon will I get back to normal life after such a procedure?
Often, much sooner than with traditional surgery. Many endoscopic treatments allow same-day discharge or a short hospital stay. Your recovery will depend on what was done and your general health. The team will guide you.

Q5. What makes the colonoscopy different at STAR Hospitals?
In a high-capability centre like STAR Hospitals, a colonoscopy isn’t just the standard check. If anything suspicious appears, the team could switch to advanced imaging or resection. They have the tools and expertise for more than just the basic test. Your doctor will review your symptoms and risk profile and choose the proper procedure, then support you with post-care and monitoring, providing the best personalised care available