Endoscopy
Endoscopy allows your doctor to visualize various areas inside your body using an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube fitted with a camera. 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)
- Hysteroscopy examines the inside of the cervix and uterus
- Laparoscopy explores the abdomen or pelvis
- Sigmoidoscopy assesses the lower part of the colon
- Upper endoscopy investigates the GI tract, specifically the esophagus and stomach
During the exam, an endoscope is 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 or look at the interior of the organs and identify things such as polyps, and the endoscope can be fitted with various devices such as lasers, ultrasound devices or tiny surgical instruments. A mild sedative is used during most endoscopy procedures.