An endoscopy is a procedure where the inside of your body is examined internally using an endoscope. An endoscope is a thin, long, flexible tube that contains a light source and a video camera, so that images of the inside of your body can be relayed to an external monitor (screen).
Endoscopes can be inserted into the body through a natural opening, such as your throat or anus. Or it can be inserted through a small surgical incision made in the skin.
The procedure is normally carried out when you're awake, and you may be given a sedative to relax you.
Endoscopes are used mainly as a diagnostic tool, though there are some specially adapted endoscopes that can be used to treat certain conditions, such as gallstones. These are explained in separate topics in the Health A-Z:
Glossary
Anus
The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive system where solid waste leaves the body.
Incision
An incision is a cut made in the body with a surgical instrument during an operation.
