Endoscopy
is a method of exploration from the medical point of view that allows you to view the inside of the body.
For this test uses an endoscope. The latter is an optical tube fitted with a micro-camera that transmit images in a screen.
Endoscopy can be used both for diagnostics, both for the implementation of therapeutic interventions (operative endoscopy), is still as a support tool during a surgical intervention. Bronchoscopy is the examination specific to the exploration of the bronchi, as well as the colonoscopy is an examination of the colon, etc..
The endoscopes are inserted when it is possible for the natural route, usually orally. Sometimes however, intervention is necessary to create an adequate access road to the instrument, as in the case of thoracoscopy, laparoscopy or epiduroscopia (in this case we speak of surgical endoscopy).
A less invasive technique is to acquire a small capsule, which contains a micro-camera and flash memory, and is normally expelled through the feces. The capsule provides the physician with high-resolution three-dimensional images, which can advance to single frame. It is used for the examination of the intestine and the liver, and allows you to avoid hospitalization and day-hospital administration of tranquilizers.
Performed under general anesthesia, direct laryngoscopy allows you to view the larynx and vocal cords. The rinofibroscopia allows the examination of the nasal cavity, larynx and pharynx. Finally, the SINUSCOPY, with local anesthesia, allows you to see the status of the nasal mucous membranes.
The bronchial endoscopy allows to keep the trachea and bronchi. The examination is done under local or general anesthesia. The pleuroscopy explores the pleural cavity (the space between two layers of pleura), under local or general anesthesia.
Anoscopy (which allows you to observe the anus) and the rectoscopy (the mucous membrane of the rectum) are done without anesthesia. A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon and rectum.
The upper digestive tract endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy esophagus, stomach and duodenum) and the lower digestive tract (colonoscopy of the large intestine), allow to identify any inflammation, ulcers and other injuries. It is usual practice of local anesthesia, but sometimes sedation is indicated.
Via laparoscopy explores the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, the surface of the liver, gall bladder and is performed under general anesthesia. Via thoracoscopy you explore the chest cavity, with particular regard to the pleura, lung, esophagus, mediastinum and the diaphragm.
The amnioscopia, which requires no anesthesia, is the examination of amniotic fluid in which is immersed the fetus. The fetoscopy (examination of the fetus), rare, done under general anesthesia.
Cystoscopy is the examination of the bladder. It is practiced without anesthesia in women and with local anesthesia in humans.
Arthroscopy observes the joints, and is usually done under general anesthesia.
