Endoscopy, gastrostomy, and related procedures

Endoscopy refers to the visual inspection of hollow organs or body cavities. Endoscopic gastrointestinal procedures include esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), anoscopy, proctoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. All instruments used in endoscopy have similar working components, which include a hollow or fiberoptic tube or charged couple device (CCD), lens, and light source. The flexible endoscopes typically have a control head with left/right and up/down controls for maneuvering the tip of the scope and a video attachment. In addition to visual diagnostic functions, the various endoscopes may also be used for tissue biopsy and in certain therapeutic procedures. This article discusses indications, techniques, and complications of the most commonly performed endoscopic procedures. Open gastrostomy placement is also discussed.