Duodenoscopy

Duodenoscopy (pronounced doo-oh-deh-no-skoh-pee) is a medical procedure that involves the examination of the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. It is performed using a duodenoscope, a specialized type of endoscope.

Etymology

The term "duodenoscopy" is derived from the Latin word "duodenum" (meaning twelve, as the duodenum is approximately twelve finger-breadths in length) and the Greek word "skopein" (meaning to look or examine).

Procedure

During a duodenoscopy, the patient is usually sedated. The duodenoscope is then inserted through the mouth and passed down the esophagus, through the stomach, and into the duodenum. The duodenoscope allows the doctor to visually examine the duodenum for any abnormalities, such as ulcers, polyps, or tumors.

Related Terms

Endoscopy: A general term for a procedure that uses an endoscope to examine the inside of the body.
Gastroscopy: A similar procedure to duodenoscopy, but it focuses on examining the stomach.
Colonoscopy: A procedure that examines the colon or large intestine.
Biopsy: A procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. This can be performed during a duodenoscopy if necessary.

Risks and Complications

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with a duodenoscopy. These may include infection, bleeding, and damage to the duodenum. However, these risks are generally low and the procedure is considered safe when performed by a trained professional.