What type of conditions are typically treated through flexible endoscopy?

Flexible endoscopy is commonly utilized for diagnosing and treating various gastrointestinal abnormalities. This procedure allows for direct visualization of the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Conditions such as polyps, tumors, strictures, and bleeding can be effectively evaluated and, in many cases, treated during the endoscopic procedure. For instance, polyps can be removed, and biopsies can be performed to assess for cancerous changes, all under direct visualization, which enhances treatment efficacy and patient safety.

While chronic inflammatory diseases are managed through various means, including medication, they are not specifically the primary target of flexible endoscopy. Life-threatening injuries are typically addressed through more invasive surgical interventions than endoscopy. Non-gastrointestinal infections, while potentially serious, fall outside the scope of what flexible endoscopy directly addresses, as this technique focuses on the gastrointestinal tract and its related pathologies.