Endoscopy
An endoscopy can be used to:
An endoscope can also be used to remove a small sample of tissue for further analysis. This is known as a Biopsy .
An endoscopy might be recommended to investigate the following symptoms:
If the gullet (oesophagus), stomach or first part of the small intestine needs to be examined, it's known as a gastroscopy .
If the bowel needs to be examined, it's known as a colonoscopy. Watch a video about what happens during a colonoscopy .
Other types of endoscopies used to investigate symptoms include:
Modified endoscopes with surgical instruments attached to them or passed through them can be used to carry out certain types of surgery.
For example, they may be used to:
A laparoscope is a type of endoscope used by surgeons as a visual aid when carrying out keyhole surgery (laparoscopic surgery) .
Only small incisions are made during laparoscopic surgery, which means it's less painful afterwards and you'll recover more quickly.
Common types of keyhole surgery include:
Laparoscopies are also often used toinvestigate certain symptoms and help diagnose many different conditions.
Find out what an endoscopy is, including when it's used, how it's carried out, and the associated risks.
Endoscopies are usually carried out at local hospitals, although some larger GP surgeries may also offer the procedure. Before having an endoscopy Depending on what part of your body is being examin
An endoscopy is usually a safe procedure, and the risk of serious complications is very low. Possible complications include: an infection in a part of the body the endoscope is used to examine this
An endoscopy can be used to: investigate unusual symptoms help perform certain types of surgery An endoscope can also be used to remove a small sample of tissue for further analysis. This is know