Are gastroscopy and colonoscopy the same tube?

Gastroscope and enteroscope are not usually the same tube. Gastroscope is mainly used to examine the upper digestive tract, including esophagus, stomach and duodenum. It is relatively short and slender so that it can enter the esophagus through the mouth and reach the stomach for detailed observation. The gastroscope is equipped with lighting and imaging devices at the front end to clearly show the mucosa of the upper digestive tract, helping doctors to find inflammation, ulcers, tumors, etc. Enteroscopy is used to examine the lower digestive tract, i.e. colon and rectum. Compared with gastroscopy, enteroscopy is longer and more flexible to accommodate the longer intestinal path. Enteroscopy also has advanced imaging system, which can carefully observe the state of intestinal mucosa, which plays a key role in the diagnosis of colitis, colon polyps, colon cancer and other diseases. There are obvious differences between the two in the following aspects: first, the structure and length are different, and different parts are examined. Second, the way of use is also different. Gastroscopy is through the mouth, and enteroscopy is through the anus. Furthermore, the scope and focus of the examination vary, targeting specific diseases of the upper and lower digestive tracts respectively. In addition, gastroscopy and enteroscopy are two medical instruments specifically designed for examination of different parts of the digestive tract. Each has its own unique role and importance and cannot be substituted for each other. In clinical practice, doctors will select appropriate endoscopic examinations according to the specific symptoms and needs of patients to clarify diagnosis and formulate treatment plans.