Esophagoscopy

Esophagoscopy is the use of a flexible or rigid scope introduced into the esophagus to evaluate and treat different pathological conditions. Interventions include biopsy of lesions in the esophagus or stomach, foreign body removal, balloon or bougie dilation, stent placement, laser debridement of tumor, and photodynamic therapy. Flexible esophagoscopy can be performed on awake, sedated patients, while rigid esophagoscopy requires general anesthesia. Both procedures are typically done on an outpatient basis.