Endoscopy

Endoscopy

Endoscopy involves examining the interior of the body using a flexible tube equipped with a small camera, known as an endoscope. Unlike many other medical imaging tools, endoscopes are directly inserted into the organ being examined. In technical contexts where direct observation is challenging, endoscopy may also entail using a borescope.

An endoscope typically comprises:

- A flexible or rigid tube
- A lighting system to illuminate the area of inspection, with the light source situated outside the body and transmitted via optical fibers
- A lens system that conveys the captured image to the viewer, employing a relay lens system for rigid endoscopes or a bundle of fiber optics for fiberscopes
- An eyepiece
- An additional channel for the insertion of medical instruments or manipulators

Various types of endoscopes are tailored for examining specific organs or regions of the body. Examples include:

- Arthroscope: For direct examination of joints
- Bronchoscope: For visualizing the airways and lungs
- Cystoscope: For viewing the interior of the bladder
- Laparoscope: For direct observation of abdominal organs such as the ovaries or appendix

Endoscopes are introduced into the body through natural openings or small incisions. For instance, a laparoscope is inserted through minor surgical incisions in the pelvic or abdominal region. In males, a urinary tract endoscope is passed through the urethral opening.

Gastrointestinal endoscopes may be inserted through the mouth or anus. In some cases, an ultrasound probe can be attached to a gastrointestinal endoscope, creating an endoscopic ultrasound. This combined device can also be introduced through the mouth or anus, depending on the area of interest.

Furthermore, small instruments can be passed through an endoscope to collect samples of suspicious tissues for further examination.