What Is Endoscopy - Essay Example

In operative endoscopes, an additional channel allows the entry of medical instruments to biopsy or to facilitate tissue and other operations (Wikipedia, 2006). The endoscope also provides a visual examination of the interior of the body through a natural body opening such as the throat or rectum.

Since the endoscope can be inserted through a very small opening, it is a less invasive method than other surgical techniques, causing less scarring and a quicker recovery time. A camera or video recorder is often used during an endoscopic procedure to provide permanent records of internal organs, which may be used for later reference (rosemont.com., N.D).

Endoscopic surgery has been used for decades in a number of different procedures, including gallbladder removal, tubal ligation, and knee surgery. However, in recent years endoscopic instruments are also used for plastic surgery. As important research continues, endoscopy is being used on a limited basis for both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures (ASPS, 2006).

There are two main uses of endoscopy - diagnostic and therapeutic. In case of a suspected tumor or other disorder in the stomach, bladder, lungs, or other organs endoscopy can be used for examination. In addition to studying the organ, the physician is able to take a biopsy sample (a small piece of suspicious tissue) for testing. In earlier days biopsy required major surgery. Endoscopy is valuable in the removal of polyps (small growths), treatment of knee joint and other joint disorders, and inspection as well as treatment of the bronchi, colon, female reproductive organs, and gastrointestinal tract (rosemont.com., N.D).

All surgery carries risks and every incision leaves a scar. However, with endoscopic surgery, the scars are likely to be hidden and much smaller, and some of the after-effects of surgery may be minimized. As the incisions are shorter with endoscopy, the risk of sensory loss from nerve damage is decreased. Also, bleeding, bruising, and swelling may be significantly reduced.

With the endoscopic approach, a patient recovers more quickly and returns to work earlier than in the case of open surgery. Besides this procedure avoid an overnight hospital stay. Many endoscopic procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with sedation (ASPS, 2006). Endoscopy has provided physicians with a most compact surgical instrument. Endoscopic techniques are comparatively less risky, less expensive, and less painful to the patient. Endoscopes have made complicated surgeries easier.