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Endoscopies fall into categories, based on the area of the body that they
investigate. The American Cancer Society (ACS) lists the following types of
endoscopies:
Bronchoscopy Bronchoscope Trachea (windpipe) and bronchi of the Inserted through the mouth
lungs
Colonoscopy Colonoscope Entire length of the colon and large Inserted through the anus
intestine
Colposcopy Colposcope Vagina and cervix A speculum is inserted into the vagina. The
colposcope is placed at the opening of the
vagina but does not enter it.
Gastroscopy Gastroscope Stomach and duodenum (beginning of the Inserted through the mouth
small intestine)
Laparoscopy Laparoscope Stomach, liver, or other abdominal organ, Inserted through a small, surgical opening in
including female reproductive organs the abdomen
(uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes)
Neuroendoscopy Neuroendoscope Areas of the brain Inserted through a small incision in the skull
near the area to be viewed
Proctoscopy Proctoscope Rectum and sigmoid colon Inserted through the anus
Sigmoidoscopy Sigmoidoscope Sigmoid colon (bottom part of the colon) Inserted through the anus
Thoracoscopy Thoracoscope Pleura covering the lungs and structures Inserted through a small surgical opening in
covering the heart chest