Endoscopy

Generality

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows the visualization of internal organs of the body, especially those communicating directly or indirectly with the outside (such as the esophagus).

The method involves the use of a rigid or flexible tube, called an endoscope, which records and transmits images to a screen by means of miniaturized cameras; this instrument is inserted directly into the area to be examined, allowing the vision of the inside of the body of the patient. patient.
Originally, endoscopy was used only for the esophagus, stomach and colon; now, doctors can use this method to diagnose and treat diseases of the ear, nose, throat, heart, urinary tract, joints and abdomen.
When possible, endoscopes are inserted naturally, such as the oral route. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to create an artificial access through an incision, as in the case of thoracoscopy or laparoscopy.
Endoscopy is widely used in the diagnostic field, but also for the execution of therapeutic interventions or as a support tool during a surgical operation.

What is endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a medical procedure performed with an instrument called an endoscope. The endoscope is inserted inside the body to detect any anatomical changes in the hollow organs and, sometimes, to guide certain types of surgery.
There are different types of endoscopes and the fields of application of the method are varied. Most endoscopes consist of thin and hollow tubes (rigid or flexible), equipped with a light source and optical devices at the end, so as to allow the physician to directly or indirectly view the images on a computer screen.
Endoscopes come in different lengths and shapes, and each type of instrument is specially designed for exploring a specific part of the body. For example, an endoscope that helps a doctor examine joints is rigid, while the one used to visualize the joint. internal colon is often flexible.
Depending on the area of ​​the body to be viewed, the endoscope can be inserted through the mouth, anus or urethra. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to make a small cutaneous incision to access the part to be examined (surgical endoscopy).
Often, an endoscope also has a channel that allows the doctor to insert instruments to collect tissue or perform a therapeutic intervention. Some of these tools are:

• Biopsy forceps for removing a tissue sample or suspected tumor formation;
• Cytological brush for taking cell samples;
• Forceps for removing stitches inside the body.

Type of endoscope Access route Body area displayed Procedure name Arthroscope Skin incisions Joints Arthroscopy Bronchoscope Mouth or nose Trachea and bronchi Bronchoscopy,
flexible bronchoscopy Colonoscope Anus Colon and large intestine Colonoscopy,
lower digestive endoscopy Cystoscope Urethra Bladder Cystoscopy,
cystouretroscopy Esophagogastroduodenoscope Mouth Esophagus, stomach and duodenum Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, gastroscopy, upper digestive endoscopy
Hysteroscope Vagina Interior of the uterus Hysteroscopy Laparoscope Incision in the abdomen Abdominal cavity and pelvis Laparoscopy,
peritoneal endoscopy Laryngoscope Mouth or nose Larynx Laryngoscopy Mediastinoscope Incision above the sternum Mediastinum (space between the lungs) Mediastinoscopy Sigmoidoscope Anus Rectum and sigmoid (lower portion of the large intestine) Sigmoidoscopy,
proctosigmoidoscopy Thoracoscope Incision in the chest Space between lungs and chest wall Thoracoscopy,
pleuroscopy

When is it used?

Originally, endoscopes were developed to examine parts of the body that could not be otherwise evaluated.Currently, this instrument can be used for many other purposes: for example, endoscopy is often used in the prevention, early diagnosis, staging and treatment of cancers.