Endoscopy encompasses various types, each tailored to examine specific regions of the body. The primary types include:
1. Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Gastroscopy): This procedure involves inserting an endoscope through the mouth to thoroughly examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It is used to evaluate the upper parts of the digestive system.
2. Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Colonoscopy): An endoscope is inserted through the rectum to examine the lower digestive tract organs, such as the large intestine and rectum. While colonoscopy typically covers the entire large intestine, a shorter endoscope may be used to examine only the sigmoid colon (the lower part of the large intestine); this specific procedure is known as Sigmoidoscopy.
3. Enteroscopy (Double-Balloon Enteroscopy): This procedure allows for a comprehensive examination of the small intestine.