Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy
Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy refers to the use of an instrument, called an endoscope, which is inserted through one of the natural body orifices, such as the mouth or the rectum, to visualize and manipulate different parts of the digestive system. The endoscope is a flexible fiberoptic tube with a tiny TV camera at the end and allows the physician to see the inside lining of the digestive tract. The camera is connected to an eyepiece for direct viewing or a video screen displaying the images on a color TV. The endoscope not only allows diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease, but treatment as well.