Word parts
What it means
An instrument for viewing inside hollow organs without open surgery. Flexible ones go through the mouth, nose or anus (for an EGDee-jee-DEE (said as letters)Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: a test using a flexible scope through the mouth to look at the esophagus, stomach and start of the small intestine.esophag/o esophagusgastr/o stomachduoden/o duodenum-scopy looking, viewingFull entry , a colonoscopy or a bronchoscopy); rigid ones such as a laparoscope go through small cuts. Channels in the tube let the provider take biopsies, remove growths, stop bleeding or suction fluid.
For the nurse
Reusable endoscopes must be cleaned and then high-level disinfected or sterilized exactly as the maker directs between clients, because poorly cleaned scopes have spread infections.
At a glance
| Also written | endoscopes |
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Related terms
colonoscopy
An exam of the inside of the large intestine with a long, flexible tube that has a camera on its end.
biopsy
Taking a small sample of tissue from the body so it can be looked at under a microscope.
EGD
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: a test using a flexible scope through the mouth to look at the esophagus, stomach and start of the small intestine.
laparoscopic
Done through a few small cuts in the abdomen with a thin camera and long instruments, instead of one large opening.
endoscopic
Done with an endoscope, a thin tube with a light and camera passed into the body.