fibreoptic endoscopy

a method of viewing hollow internal structures, such as the digestive tract and tracheo-bronchial tree, using fibreoptics. Fibreoptics uses illumination from a cold light source, which is passed down a bundle of quartz fibres. The instruments used are highly flexible compared to the older form of ENDOSCOPE and can be employed to illuminate structures that were formerly inaccessible. Using fibreoptic endoscopy, direct procedures can be carried out, such as BIOPSY and polypectomy (surgical removal of a POLYP ).