In one embodiment, an endoscope includes a body, an elongated shaft that extends from the body, the elongated shaft ending in a distal tip, a first anchoring device that is fixed to the elongated shaft, and a second anchoring device that is extendable from the elongated shaft. In one embodiment, an endoscope advancing apparatus includes a first anchoring device adapted to be fixed to an elongated shaft of an endoscope, and a second anchoring device adapted to be mounted to an opposite side of the elongated shaft in a manner in which the second anchoring device can be axially extended from the elongated shaft.
