An endoscope is a tool that allows less invasive visualization of internal organs such as the esophagus, stomach, colon, and upper small intestine. It can also often be used to perform biopsies, retrieving foreign objects, all without invasive abdominal surgery.
It is vital that the stomach and intestinal tract be empty of all food and fecal matter prior to an endoscopic evaluation. A complete twelve-hour fast is usually sufficient if the stomach is being examined. If the colon is to be examined, oral medication is given twelve to eighteen hours before the procedure to remove fecal material from the entire intestinal tract. Fasting for twelve to eighteen hours is also necessary so that new fecal material does not form. On the morning of the procedure, one or more enemas are given to remove any remaining stool from the lower intestinal tract.
