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Definition
Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the body using a flexible tube that has a small camera on the end of it. This instrument is called an endoscope.
Alternative Names
Endoscopy
How the test is performed
There are many types of endoscopes. Each one is named according to the organs or areas they are used to examine.
For example:
- Arthroscope: Used to look directly at the joints
- Bronchoscope: Used to look at the lungs
- Cystoscope: Used to view the inside of the bladder
- Laparoscope: Used to look directly at the ovaries, appendix, or other abdominal organs
An endoscope is passed through a natural body opening or a small incision. For example, a laparoscope is inserted through small surgical cuts in the pelvic or belly area. In men, a urinary tract endoscope is passed through the opening of the urethra. A gastrointestinal endoscope may be inserted through the mouth or anus. An ultrasound probe can be added to a gastrointestinal endoscope. This is called an endoscopic ultrasound. Depending on the area of interest, this device can also be passed through the mouth or anus.
Small instruments can be inserted through an endoscope and used to take samples of suspicious tissues.
This article offers a general overview on endoscopy. For more information, see the specific procedure:
- Anoscopy
- Arthroscopy
- Bronchoscopy
- Chorionic villus sampling
- Colonoscopy
- Cystoscopy
- EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
- Enteroscopy
- ERCP
- Laparoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
How to prepare for the test
Ask your health care provider if you need to do anything to prepare for your endoscopy. You may be asked not to eat or drink before most types of endoscopy. Before an examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract, you may be asked to use enemas or laxatives to clear out the large intestine.
How the test will feel
You will be given a medicine to help you relax and possibly fall asleep. This is called sedation. With the right sedation, you should have little, if any, discomfort.
Sedation is usually not given to those having an endoscopic ultrasound of the rectum. The endoscope will create a feeling of the need to move the bowels (pass stool), but should not cause any pain.
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Reviewer Info: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 02/23/2009 |
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