Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a surgical procedure which includes the usage of an endoscope, a custom viewing instrument that permits a surgeon to view images of the body's internal organ areas by insertng a tube inside the body with very minimal incisions.

There are various successful procedures that involve the use endoscopic surgery such as removal of gallbladder, tubal ligation, and knee surgery. In regards to cosmetic surgery, endoscopic tools have just recently been used successfully.

Complications do not occur often (only 5% of all operations)1 but can include perforation of the organ under inspection with the endoscope or biopsy instrument.

1. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (November 2004).