An endoscope is a long tube connected to a light source and video camera that sends real time images to a television screen for viewing. Endoscopy is the use of an endoscope within internal structures and organs of the body. The endoscope can be inserted through natural openings such as the mouth, nose or rectum to reach the structure of interest. It can also be inserted through surgical incisions, such as into the abdomen during keyhole surgery (see ‘laparoscopy’ for more information). There are different types of endoscopy depending on where the endoscope is used. For example, when examining internal nasal structures it is called ‘rhinoscopy’ and when examining the airways it is called ‘bronchoscopy’. An animal will usually have to be under general anaesthetic or sedation during an endoscopic procedure.