Endoscopy in basic research.

Abstract

Gastroenterological endoscopy has stimulated research in a number of ways. New optical developments culminating in the glass fibre and the video endoscope, were necessary stages in the construction of highly sophisticated instruments. These advanced instruments made research possible and also stimulated it. Quite a few methods were made applicable to the gastrointestinal tract only with the aid of endoscopes. For this purpose, they first had to be carefully studied and then modified. Here, mention might be made of the taking of biopsies for histological work-up, X-ray procedures, diagnostic ultrasound, Doppler ultrasonography, operative endoscopy and laser beams. Developments have ensured that endoscopy did not remain restricted merely to its role as an optical diagnostic procedure capable only of visualizing the surfaces of internal organs. In numerous areas, operative endoscopy has now replaced the classical surgical procedure, and further developments may be expected in this field.