Endoscopy is a medical science which refers to the examination of the internal organs within a person’s body for purposes of diagnosis and treatment, using an instrument known as an endoscope. A typical endoscope comprises a long, thin tube that is flexible, and has a light and video camera. Using this instrument, physicians can examine images of the internal parts of a patient’s body that are displayed on a screen. Apart from being a diagnostic procedure, endoscopy can also be utilised to perform biopsies and retrieve foreign objects from the body. The process is minimally invasive and is a popular alternative to surgery. An endoscopy is usually preferred by doctors when other medical applications such as MRIs, CT scans and X-rays fail to provide an effective diagnosis. In India, endoscopy is commonly used in the diagnosis of cancer and for other purposes such as gallbladder removal. Some specialized forms of endoscopes used include colonoscopes to examine the colon, gastroscopes to examine the intestine and bronchoscopes to examine the air passages and lungs. Hide this