What Is an Endoscopy?
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
4. Insertion Point
As mentioned, the endoscope will be usually inserted into an orifice. Endoscopes usually reach their target area by entering through the mouth (i.e. gastroscopy, bronchoscopy), anus (i.e. colonoscopy), urethra (i.e. cystoscopy), among others. The point of entry used will depend largely on where the suspected problem is in the body.
In some cases, an endoscope will be inserted through a small incision in order to perform minimally invasive surgery (also known as keyhole surgery or laparoscopy). Arthroscopy is a great example of a minimally invasive surgical procedure, where a specialist uses an arthroscope to examine the inside of a joint and treat a specific lesion (if necessary).
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