Endoscopy is a medical procedure that involves the use of a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope to examine the interior surfaces of the body. The endoscope is equipped with a light source and a camera that allows healthcare providers to visualize and capture images of the internal organs, tissues, and structures in real-time.
Endoscopy can be performed for diagnostic or therapeutic
purposes across various medical specialties, including gastroenterology, pulmonology, urology, gynecology, and otolaryngology. Depending on the area of the body being examined, different types of endoscopes are used, each tailored to provide optimal visualization and access to specific regions.
During an endoscopic procedure, the endoscope is inserted into
the body through natural openings such as the mouth, nose, anus, or urethra, or through small incisions made in the skin. The endoscope is carefully guided through the respective body cavity or organ system, allowing the healthcare provider to inspect the lining, identify abnormalities, and obtain tissue samples (biopsies) for further analysis.
In addition to visualization, endoscopy enables healthcare
providers to perform various therapeutic interventions directly through the endoscope. These interventions may include removing polyps, tumors, or foreign bodies, dilating strictures or narrowing of passages, cauterizing bleeding vessels, and delivering medications or treatments to specific areas.
Endoscopic procedures are typically performed on an outpatient
basis and may be done under sedation or local anesthesia to minimize discomfort and ensure patient comfort. The duration of the procedure varies depending on the complexity of the examination or intervention being performed.