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Endoscope

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Definition    Return to top

An endoscope is a device with a light attached that is used to look inside a body cavity or organ. The scope is inserted through a natural opening, such as the mouth during a bronchoscopy, the rectum for a sigmoidoscopy, or the vagina for a cystoscopy.

A medical procedure using any type of endoscope is called endoscopy.

See also:

Update Date: 5/2/2009

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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