A procedure where the inside of your body is examined using an instrument called an endoscope.
An endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube that has a light source and camera at one end.
Images of the inside of your body are relayed to a television screen.
Endoscopes can be inserted into the body through a natural opening, such as the mouth and down the throat, or through the anus.
An endoscope can also be inserted through a small cut (incision) made in the skin when keyhole surgery is being carried out.
An endoscopy is used to:
- investigate unusual symptoms
- help perform certain types of surgery
- to remove a small sample of tissue for further analysis (known as a biopsy)
An endoscopy might be recommended to investigate the following symptoms:
- difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
-