Endoscopy
Key points
- An endoscope is a medical device consisting of a camera mounted on a flexible tube.
- There are many types of endoscope, and they are named in relation to the organs or areas they explore.
- Before some types of endoscopy, such as an examination of the upper of the gastrointestinal tract, the you may be asked not to eat or drink before the exam.
- With appropriate sedation, the patient should experience little if any discomfort.
Definition
An endoscope is a medical device consisting of a camera mounted on a flexible tube. Small instruments can be used to take samples of suspicious tissues through the endoscope.
In gastrointestinal endoscopy, this device is inserted through the mouth or anus. For other areas, small incisions are made.
How the test is performed
There are many types of endoscope, and they are named in relation to the organs or areas they explore. Endoscopes used to look directly at the ovaries, appendix, or other abdominal organs, for example, are called laparoscopes (laparoscopy).
Other endoscopes are inserted through incisions to look at joints (arthroscopy) or the lungs (bronchoscopy), and still others are used to view the inside of the bladder (cystoscopy).
Please see the following tests or procedures for more information on how the test will feel, the risks, why the test is performed, and normal and abnormal results:
- Anoscopy
- Arthroscopy
- Bronchoscopy
- Chorionic villus sampling
- Colonoscopy
- Cystoscopy
- EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
- ERCP
- Fetal blood testing
- Laparoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Small bowel biopsy
How to prepare for the test
Before some types of endoscopy, such as an examination of the upper of the gastrointestinal tract, the you may be asked not to eat or drink before the exam. Before an examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract, the patient may also be asked to clear the colon of stool with enemas or laxatives.
Ask your health care provider about any special preparation before your endoscopy.
How the test will feel
During an endoscopy, the patient is sedated. With appropriate sedation, the patient should experience little if any discomfort.
Why the test is performed
An endoscopy may be performed for a variety of signs and symptoms, including bleeding, pain, difficulty swallowing, and a change in bowel habits. Exams of the colon may also be performed to screen for colon polyps and colon cancer.
Normal Values
The examination should reveal normal function and appearance of the area being examined. For example, with gastrointestinal endoscopy, the lining of the gastrointestinal tract should be smooth, with no atypical growths or lesions.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.