Endoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the interior of a person’s body. It involves the use of an endoscope, which is a long, flexible tube equipped with a light and a camera. The camera transmits images to a monitor, allowing doctors to see the inside of organs and cavities without making large incisions.

Endoscopies are commonly used to inspect the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, but they can also be used to examine other areas like the lungs, bladder, and joints. The procedure can help diagnose conditions such as ulcers, tumors, inflammation, and infections, and can sometimes be used to perform minor surgeries, like taking tissue samples (biopsies) or removing polyps.

Endoscopies are usually minimally invasive, meaning they involve small or no incisions, and can often be done on an outpatient basis with little recovery time.