Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a procedure that can allow your doctor to visualize various areas inside your body using an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube fitted with a camera. During the exam, an endoscope is either passed through a natural opening in the body (such as the mouth or anus) or your doctor may make a small incision, such as in the pelvic or abdominal area, for a laparoscopic exam. Endoscopy can also be used to perform a biopsy or remove tissue. The endoscope can be fitted with various devices such as lasers, ultrasound devices or tiny surgical instruments. A mild sedative is used during most endoscopic procedures.
A number of endoscopic procedures are used to examine various parts of the body or treat certain conditions, including:
- Arthroscopy: visualizes inside the joints
- Bronchoscopy: examines the airways and lungs
- Colonoscopy: looks at the large intestine and rectum
- Cystoscopy: views the inside of the bladder
- Enteroscopy: studies the small intestine (small bowel)
- Laparoscopy: explores the abdomen or pelvis
- Sigmoidoscopy: assesses the lower part of the colon
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: investigates the esophagus and stomach