What is the purpose of an endoscope?

The purpose of an endoscope is primarily for visual examination of the digestive tract. Endoscopes are specialized medical instruments that consist of a long, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera at the end. This allows healthcare providers to directly visualize the interior of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. The ability to see these areas aids in diagnosing conditions such as ulcers, tumors, and inflammations without needing invasive surgery.

While an endoscope might play a role in procedures that could be considered minimally invasive, its core function is to provide a visual assessment rather than perform surgical interventions, deliver medications directly, or monitor heart function. This visualization capability is essential for making informed clinical decisions and sometimes allows for therapeutic interventions, but the primary purpose remains to aid in examining the internal structures of the body.