36. Endoscopy PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR MEDICINE

PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR MEDICINE

36. Endoscopy

A	Functions of endoscopy Endoscopy is a way examining parts of the body which are not visible from the outside. A typical endoscope is a flexible tube which is inserted through one of the natural orifices – openings – such as the anus or the mouth. Rigid endoscopes, which cannot be bent, are also used but are inserted through small incisions – surgical cuts. The shaft contains several channels to transmit light from the outside and images from inside and to allow different instruments to be used. Endoscopes can be used for the following: A to provide diagnostic information B to excise – cut out – diseased tissue or growths such as polyps C to clear obstructions D to take a biopsy E to cauterize a site of bleeding by applying heat.
B	Enteroscopy Dr Jardine is talking her patient through an enteroscopy. Now I am just lubricating the tube with a jelly which contains a local anaesthetic. It’ll help to ensure a smooth passage as it passes down and you shouldn’t feel too much. I’m going to feed the tube through your nose. This is the most comfortable part of the procedure but it’s very brief. You’ll get used to the tube in a few minutes’ time. OK, when it hits the back of your throat, take a deliberate swallow. I’ll tell you when. Now! Swallow, swallow. That’s it. Well done
C	Report of a diagnostic endoscopy

EXERCISES

36.1	Complete the table with words from A, B and C above
36.2	Find words in A and B above with the following meanings. 1 to pass (an instrument through an office) 2 a substance used in procedures for lubrication 3 the flexible part of the endoscope 4 to stop something bleeding by applying heat
36.3	Replace the underlined words and phrases with alternative words and phrases from C above. After connecting the patient to an (1) instrument which measures levels of oxygen in the blood and pulse rate and placing him (2) on his left side, oxygen was provided through a (3) tube in his nose and the (4) drug treatment prior to the procedure administered as stated. Shortly afterward, the endoscope was (5) inserted into the oesophagus. After the examination, the patient was (6) moved to the recovery area.

Answer key