Endoscopes used to look directly at the outside of the uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries, appendix, and other abdominal organs have the special name laparoscope (see laparoscopy).

Other endoscopes are inserted through incisions to look at joints (arthroscopy), and still others to view the inside of the bladder (cystoscopy).

Please see the following tests or procedures for more information on how the test will feel, the risks, why the test is performed, and normal and abnormal results:

• EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
• ERCP
• Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Endoscopic ultrasound
• Chorionic villus sampling
• Fetal blood testing
• Small bowel biopsy
• Cystoscopy
• Laparoscopy
• Arthroscopy
• Anoscopy

Before an endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract, the patient should not eat or drink anything the morning of the exam. Before an endoscopy of the lower gastrointestinal tract, the patient will also need to clear the colon of stool with enemas or laxatives.

During an endoscopy, the patient is sedated. With appropriate sedation, the patient should experience little if any discomfort.

An endoscopy may be performed for a variety of signs and symptoms, including bleeding, pain, difficulty swallowing, and a change in bowel habits. Exams of the colon may also be performed to screen for colon polyps and colon cancer.

The examination should reveal the smooth lining of the gastrointestinal tract with no atypical growths or lesions.

A wide variety of abnormal findings may occur, and the physician will review them following the exam.

The major risks are pain, bleeding, infection, and perforation (or tear) of the intestinal wall.

Endoscopies also can be used to perform therapeutic procedures, including treatment of bleeding lesions and removal of colon polyps.