What Is an Endoscope?
An endoscope is a flexible tube that allows a doctor to see within various parts of a patient's body. Many endoscopes are quite long and have cameras at the end to give doctor's a detailed view of different parts of the anatomy. Through use of an endoscope, a doctor can check for signs of abnormalities, cancer and other disorders. Procedures that utilize that endoscope are called endoscopies. Although endoscopes are technically invasive, the risk associated with endoscopies is relatively low.
History
Although endoscopes are far more advanced today, a rudimentary endoscope was found in the ruins of Pompeii. The modern predecessor to the endoscope was created by Philip Bozzini in 1805. Bozzini's Lichtleiter enabled observations of the urinary tract, pharynx and rectum. However, the medical industry was skeptical of the Lichtleiter, and the invention never gained traction. In 1853, the first proper endoscope was invented by France's Antoine Desormeaux. Yet it wasn't until 1868 that a German doctor named Adolph Kussmaul tested the endoscope on a living human. Since then, the endoscope has been perfected from a short and clunky metal device to a flexible mechanism that could peer into the deepest recesses of the human body.
Types
As technology developed, endoscopes became more reliable and versatile. One of most commonly used endoscopes is the gastrocamera. Gastrocameras are used to examine the gastrointestinal tract and screen for everything from colon cancer to esophagus problems. Over the years, the gastrocamera has made major leaps in the imaging techniques it utilizes. Initially, gastrocams took still images. That technology improved with the use of ultrasounds, video and now full-scale HDTV imaging.
Other endoscopes include arthroscopes (for looking at joints), bronchoscopes (for looking at the lungs), cystoscopes (for looking inside the bladder) and laparoscopes (for looking at the ovaries and other abdominal organs).
Parts
The basic endoscope is made of a long flexible tube. One end is equipped with a small camera that is inserted into a body cavity, and the other end contains an eye piece for doctors to examine the body parts in question. Built into the endoscope is a channel that shines light. Endoscopes also have mechanisms that allow air or fluids to be pumped into the body to aid in the observation process.
Common Applications
The most common application of an endoscope is the colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. Doctors recommend that men and women over the age of 50 undergo colonoscopies every five to 10 years. The endoscopes used in colonoscopies even have devices that can remove small polyps (pre-cancerous growths) from the intestines.
Endoscopes are also used to help diagnose lung conditions, appendix problems, ovary conditions, joint problems, upper digestive tract problems and bladder conditions.
Risks
Most endoscope procedures are considered low-risk. Nonetheless, complications may occur. The most severe risk is tearing or puncturing of various tissues and organs with the endoscope. Fortunately, perforation of this sort is extremely rare. However, the risk of perforation or other complications increases if the endoscope is used to remove small polyps during the procedure. Other serious risks include bleeding and infection.
Limitations
Although endoscopes are the best way to screen for certain types of cancer and other conditions, they are not magical devices that can diagnose problems. All endoscopes are only as good as the doctor interpreting the findings. Doctors who know read results well can make great use of the endoscope. However, if a doctor is careless or performs the endoscopy too quickly, conditions can be missed. To be safe, look at a doctor's credentials before agreeing to an endoscopy. While many general practitioners are fully capable of performing basic endoscopies, you are much better off visiting a specialist if your budget allows for it.
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