Endoscopy is a method of visual examination with applications e.g. in medicine where hollow organs or body cavities can be illuminated and visualized using an endoscope. Endoscopy is a very accurate method of examination because tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during the investigation for further diagnosis – with no pain felt by the patient. Endoscopy also lends itself to carrying out minor invasive surgical interventions.
Endoscopy is used in a wide range of different medical disciplines such as gastroenterology, ENT, urology, orthopedics, pulmonary medicine, surgery, and gynecology, in order to establish correct diagnoses. The devices are usually tube-like and have a light source. They are even fitted with an option for taking photos or recording videos.
The endoscope allows an examined area to be documented in images.
An area that has been examined can therefore be documented in images. Direct visualization of the examined areas is possible by simply transmitting the image via a cable to a monitor. Light is usually generated externally and then transmitted to the tip of the endoscope using a fiberoptic cable. The line to the monitor is called supply cable. The transmitted signals then yield a live image permitting fast diagnoses and prompt treatment. Medical endoscopy involves first positioning the patients being examined correctly in order to give better access to the area under investigation.

Many patients have a hard time swallowing the gastroscope as it normally stimulates vomiting. It therefore makes sense to administer a mild sedative. Modern endoscopy means that advanced medicine today can often avoid major surgical interventions. The positive benefit is a faster healing and recovery process combined with lower costs for the healthcare system.  

Apart from medicine, endoscopy is also used in mechanical and electrical engineering, heating and air conditioning systems, research and development, the automotive industry, manufacturing machine tools, and in many other fields and applications.