What is an Endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to view the inside of your body using an endoscope. An endoscope is a long, flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it.

During an endoscopy, the endoscope is inserted into your body through a natural opening, such as your mouth, rectum, or urethra. The camera sends images to a monitor, allowing your doctor to see the inside of your digestive tract, respiratory tract, or urinary tract. Endoscopies can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, such as ulcers, polyps, tumors, and inflammation.

When is an Endoscopy Needed?

Your doctor may recommend an endoscopy if you are experiencing symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation

An endoscopy can also be used to screen for certain cancers, such as colon cancer.

What are the Risks of an Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a generally safe procedure, but there are some risks, such as:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Perforation of the digestive tract

These complications are rare, but it is important to be aware of them.