Endoscopes are small, flexible cameras used for a variety of procedures in medical settings. Endoscopes allow doctors to see parts of the body that they can't see with their eyes. They're particularly effective when placed in naturally occurring cavities in the body, such as the mouth, rectum and nose.
Upper Endoscopy
Endoscopes are commonly used to visualize portions of the digestive system. One form of this procedure, the Cleveland Clinic says, is an upper endoscopy, in which the endoscope is inserted through the mouth and down the esophagus. This procedure allows doctors to examine the esophagus, stomach and some of the small intestines. This allows for the identification of any ulcers, tumors, scar tissue, and can also be used to help identify the causes of acid reflux.
Colonoscopy
An endoscope can be inserted into the rectum in order to perform a colonoscopy. This procedure allows for visualization of the colon; a sigmoid colonoscopy involves further examination into the sigmoid portion of the large intestine. A colonoscopy can be performed to look for signs of colon cancer or other diseases of the bowels, such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
Bronchoscopy
Endoscopes can also be used to examine the respiratory tract. One common procedure, called a bronchoscopy, involves inserting the endoscope through the mouth or nose and into the airway, also known as the bronchus. This procedure, Medline Plus explains, can be used to help diagnose lung disease and can also be used to examine any growths or masses that could be cancerous.
Laryngoscopy
Laryngoscopy is another procedure in which an endoscope is used so that doctors can see the voice box. This can be done for patients who are having problems with their voice and can be used to diagnose causes of hoarseness, as well as diagnose potential cancers of the voice box.
Cystoscopy
Endoscopy can also be used for examination of parts of the groin. Cystoscopy involves threading a very narrow endoscope through the urethra, Medline Plus says. This allows for the examination of parts of the urinary tract and the bladder and can be used to determine the cause of urinary tract infections.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy uses an endoscope, which is placed into the vagina and allows for the visualization of the uterus. This procedure can be used to ensure that a woman's uterus is able to support a fetus or to attempt to diagnose the cause of abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding.
Surgery
Endoscopes can also be used for minimally invasive surgeries, the American Cancer Society explains. Using endoscopes as part of surgery allows the surgeon to make smaller incisions, which can help reduce the risk of complications and speeds recovery time. The endoscope is needed so that the surgeon can see the tissue which on which he is operating. Surgeons use special tools along with the endoscopes in order to perform the surgery.
