Glossary E

End ileostomy - the colon and rectum are removed and the end of the ileum is brought out through the stoma.

Endoscopy - procedure to examine the inside of your body
An endoscopy is a procedure where the inside of your body is directly examined using a device known as an endoscope. An endoscope is a thin, long flexible tube that contains both a light source and a video camera, so images of the inside of your body can be relayed to an external monitor.

Endoscopes can be inserted into the body through a natural opening, such as your throat or anus. Alternatively, the endoscope can be introduced through a small surgical incision that is made in the skin. The procedure is normally carried out when you are awake, though you may be given a sedative to relax you. Endoscopes are primarily used as a diagnostic tool, though there are some specially adapted endoscopes that can be used to treat certain conditions, such as gallstones.

Diagnosis and investigation - An endoscopy can be used to confirm a diagnosis, when it is felt that other diagnostic tools, such as an X-Ray or MRI scan, are unsuitable.

It can also be used to investigate a known condition, in order to measure the extent of any problems this condition may have caused. This can then help your doctor or specialist decide on the right course of treatment for you.

Conditions that an endoscopy can help diagnose or investigate include:
• urinary tract infections (UTIs),
• incontinence,
• breathing disorders,
• internal bleeding,
• stomach ulcers,
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and
• chronic diarrhoea.

Biopsies and cancer - endoscopes are also useful in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They are used to obtain small samples of tissue which can then be tested for the presence of cancerous cells (a biopsy). They are especially useful in carrying out biopsies in parts of the body that would otherwise require major surgery - such as the colon (large intestine) or the lungs.

Exercise
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Following Stoma surgery - gentle exercise may help you to feel better and stronger. During your stay in hospital you will gradually be able to do more until you are fit enough to go home. Check with your stoma nurse, GP or surgeon, when would be an appropriate time to start exercising.