digestive disorders
Endoscopy
Introduction
Endoscopy is an examination of internal structures using a flexible viewing tube (endoscope). In addition to examinations, doctors can use endoscopy to do biopsies and give treatment. Endoscopes are flexible and provide both a lighting source and a small camera, which allow doctors to get a good view of the digestive tract lining. Doctors can see areas of irritation, ulcers, inflammation, and abnormal tissue growth. Some endoscopes have ultrasound probes on the tip. Images from these probes can show details that ultrasound probes placed on the person's skin cannot. Endoscopes range in diameter from about ¼ inch (a bit more than ½ centimeter) to about ½ inch (1¼ centimeters) and range in length from about 1 foot (about 30½ centimeters) to about 6 feet (almost 2 meters). The choice of endoscope depends on which part of the digestive tract is to be examined. When passed through the mouth, an endoscope can be used to examine the following structures: The esophagus (esophagoscopy) The stomach (gastroscopy) The upper portion of the small intestine (upper gastrointestinal endoscopy) More of the small intestine (enteroscopy) In another type of endoscopy called Video Capsule Endoscopy , doctors do not use an endoscope but rather have a person swallow a battery-powered capsule that contains a camera that transmits pictures of the parts of the small intestine that are too difficult to see with an endoscope. When passed through the anus, an endoscope can be used to examine the following structures: The rectum (anoscopy) The lower portion of the large intestine, the rectum, and the anus (sigmoidoscopy) The entire large intestine, the rectum, and the anus (colonoscopy) A flexible tube called an endoscope is used to view different parts of the digestive tract. When passed through the mouth (as shown on the left), an endoscope can be used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and some of the small intestine. When passed through the anus (right), an endoscope can be used to examine the rectum and the entire large intestine. 