Endoscope

An advanced device composed of a long, thin, and flexible tube made of glass fibers, surrounded by a plastic sheath. The endoscope is about the thickness of a finger and enables visualization of the interior of the stomach or intestine and the simultaneous performance of various procedures. During an endoscopic examination, the tip of the device can be easily maneuvered within the digestive tract. In addition to careful inspection and examination, the procedure allows tissue sampling (biopsy), aspiration of bile or gastric juice, and investigation of infection presence in the digestive system.

For example, a straight endoscope is used for joint examinations, while a flexible endoscope is employed for examination of the colon.