Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a test that uses a thin, flexible, lighted viewing instrument (endoscope) to allow a health professional to examine the inside of organs, canals, and cavities in the body.
Endoscopy can reveal problems that do not show up on X-ray tests and can sometimes eliminate the need for exploratory surgery. Tissue samples also may be collected and abnormal growths removed during endoscopy.
Different types of endoscopes can be used to study the sinuses, the upper digestive tract, the colon, a female's pelvic organs, and other parts of the body.
For example, in an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, the health professional guides the endoscope down the person's throat to examine the esophagus, stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise