A fiber optic instrument is used to visualize and take small tissue samples of the stomach, small & large intestine, bladder, nasal cavity and respiratory system. The word "endoscopy" denotes the use of fiberoptic instruments to investigate and possibly biopsy certain body cavities. It is a "noninvasive" procedure which means no surgical incisions are required. For the patient, this means a short anesthetic period with a rapid recovery. All endoscopies in small animals require full anesthesia, and therefore may require pre-anesthetic evaluations such as blood tests, radiographs (xrays), and/or ultrasound. Endoscopies are usually considered among the low-risk procedures in veterinary medicine. For more detailed information about gastroscopy, bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy, colonoscopy, cystoscopy, and patient preparation, please go to the Library section.