An endoscope is a long slender medical instrument originally used for examining the interior of hollow organs including the lung, stomach, bladder and bowel, but with the advent of fibre optics and keyhole surgery endoscopes are increasingly used for general interior investigations (endoscopy) . There are various types of endoscope in use - some rigid, some flexible - with names prefixed by their site of application (for example, bronchoscope and laryngoscope). The value of endoscopy is in permitting diagnosis without the need for exploratory surgery. Biopsies (tissue samples) and photographs may be taken by way of the endoscope as an aid to diagnosis, or to monitor the effects of treatment. Some surgical procedures can be performed using fine instruments introduced through the endoscope. Research Endoscope
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