Endoscopy is the use of a long, thin, lighted optical element to peer into a body cavity or organ. The device, or "endoscope," may be a rigid instrument that does not change shape, or it may be "flexible," allowing the doctor to negotiate more complex paths.

Endoscopic procedures tend to take their names from that of the anatomical region being evaluated. Hence, evaluation of the stomach is called "gastroscopy," and that of the colon, " colonoscopy. The head and neck surgeon most commonly uses endoscopes to peer inside the nasal passage and paranasal sinuses, the pharynx ("throat,") and the larynx.

Endoscopy is often performed as a diagnostic procedure, meant to give the doctor visual access to areas normally inaccessible to the eye. Frequently, however, the endoscope may give the surgeon access through which treatments can be provided through the use of related, specialized instrumentation. This is of enormous benefit to the patient who, as a result, need not have the larger incision(s) used in more standard, "open" procedures.

The head and neck surgeon routinely uses endoscopes to guide the biopsy of lesions in the nasal airway, the pharynx and larynx. Also, endoscopes can be used to allow a "minimally invasive" approach to surgical procedures of the sinuses and orbits.

Note: The image above shows a rigid nasal endoscopy in the upper left and a rendering of a flexible endoscopy of the larynx.