This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2016) |
Endoscopy | |
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![]() An example of an endoscopic procedure | |
MeSH | D004724 |
OPS-301 code | 1-40...1-49, 1-61...1-69 |
MedlinePlus | 003338 |
An endoscopy is a procedure used in medicine to look inside the body.[1] The endoscopy procedure uses an endoscope to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body. Unlike many other medical imaging techniques, endoscopes are inserted directly into the organ.
There are many types of endoscopies. Depending on the site in the body and type of procedure, an endoscopy may be performed by a doctor or a surgeon. During the procedure, a patient may be fully conscious or anaesthetised. Most often, the term endoscopy is used to refer to an examination of the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, known as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy.[2]
Similar instruments are called borescopes for nonmedical use.