Endoscopy provides a minimally invasive way to inspect and biopsy the ear, upper and lower respiratory tract, esophagus, stomach, intestine and colon using a flexible fiber optic scope. It is most often used in the diagnosis of chronic intestinal tract problems, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic vomiting and diarrhea and to evaluate and rule out cancer.
The doctor can see abnormalities through the endoscope that don’t show up well on x-rays. He can also insert instruments into the scope to treat bleeding abnormalities or remove samples of tissue for further tests.