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Endoscopy is a medical procedure that involves the use of a flexible or rigid tube with a light and camera attached to it, called an endoscope, to examine the inside of the body. The endoscope is inserted into a natural opening, such as the mouth or anus, or through a small incision made in the skin. This allows healthcare professionals to visualize internal organs, tissues, and cavities without the need for major surgery.

Various types of endoscopy are performed depending on the area of the body being examined. For instance, gastroscopy, also known as upper endoscopy, is used to view the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Colonoscopy examines the large intestine and rectum. Bronchoscopy allows for the inspection of the airways, including the trachea and bronchi. Laparoscopy, a type of minimally invasive surgery, uses an endoscope inserted through small incisions to view organs within the abdominal cavity.

Endoscopy serves multiple purposes in medicine. It is widely used for diagnostic purposes, helping to identify the cause of symptoms such as abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained bleeding. It can also be used for therapeutic interventions, such as removing polyps, taking biopsies for examination, stopping bleeding, or dilating narrowed passages. The images and videos captured by the endoscope provide valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning. The procedure is generally safe, with potential risks being minimal and usually related to the specific type of endoscopy performed.