When and why to use endoscopy

Question 1

What are the strengths of endoscopy?

Answer 1

Visualise the mucosa
Biopsy lesions and normal mucosa
Retrieve foreign material
Travel around corners with flexible endoscopy

Question 2

What are the weaknesses of endoscopy?

Answer 2

Limited by length of the endoscope relative to organ being interrogated
Diameter of the endoscope must be narrower than the organ being interrogated
Can only interrogate and biopsy the mucosal surface