Valutazione endoscopica: cos'è, perché viene eseguita e cosa aspettarsi


It is an endoscopic evaluation, a diagnostic procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera is guided through the digestive tract to visualize the lining and, when needed, take tissue samples. Depending on the area of focus, doctors may perform an upper endoscopy (examining the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine) or a colonoscopy (examining the large intestine). An endoscopic evaluation helps diagnose ulcers, inflammation, polyps, tumors, and sources of bleeding, and it is commonly ordered when symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained anemia arise, or as routine cancer screening in some cases. Before the procedure, you’ll receive fasting instructions, guidance on medications, and details about transportation after sedation. Being prepared—knowing what to expect and what to ask—can reduce stress and help ensure a smooth experience. During the procedure, most patients receive sedation to stay comfortable. The doctor inserts the endoscope through the mouth for an upper endoscopy or through the rectum for a colonoscopy, using the camera to inspect the digestive tract; tissue biopsies can be taken if needed. An endoscopic evaluation typically lasts 15 to 60 minutes, with additional time for recovery after anesthesia. Afterward, you may feel mild bloating or a sore throat if throat anesthesia was used. Your team will review initial findings, discuss next steps, and schedule any follow-up tests. While rare, risks can include bleeding, infection, or perforation, so your clinician will review personal risk factors with you beforehand. While an endoscopic evaluation provides a direct view of the digestive tract, many people benefit from understanding their gut health on a broader scale. InnerBuddies offers a white-label Gut Health Operating System that complements clinical care with data-driven context about your gut microbiome. Features include a Gut Microbiome Health Index, a score from 0 to 100 that reflects overall gut health based on an exclusive analysis; Bacteria Abundances that compare your levels against a healthy cohort; and Bacteria Functions that categorize microbial activities as positive or negative, with personalized comparisons. For targeted groups like Healthy Aging or Endurance Sport, InnerBuddies provides Target Group analysis to highlight relevant pathways. You can explore a consumer-friendly option with the InnerBuddies microbiome test, and see how personalized nutrition and probiotics recommendations can align with your endoscopic findings. Learn more on the microbiome test page: InnerBuddies microbiome test. For ongoing support, the Gut Health Membership offers continued access to personalized insights and updates, helping you apply microbiome-based guidance in daily life: InnerBuddies subscription. If you are a healthcare provider or company seeking to integrate gut microbiome analytics into patient programs, the B2B partnership page explains how to become a partner: InnerBuddies B2B partnership. Together with an endoscopic evaluation, InnerBuddies can support a deeper, personalized understanding of gut health and help tailor nutrition and probiotic strategies to your unique microbiome profile. To learn more about these capabilities for consumers or clinicians, visit the product and partnership pages linked above.