What is an endoscope and why is it needed

What is an endoscope for? This compact equipment allows one of the most informative diagnostic methods in modern medicine, namely, to study the actual condition of internal organs without resorting to surgical intervention. Such a study helps to identify many diseases at an early stage and successfully treat them.

This device is a flexible or rigid tube with an optical system that transmits an image of the area being examined. Thanks to endoscopes, doctors can examine organs in detail and even perform some manipulations without incisions.

How does an endoscope work?

To understand how this tool functions, you need to understand its design. To answer the question "What is an endoscope?", let's look at its design features. This is a modern compact device equipped with fiber optics and a video camera with a built-in light source. This equipment may have a built-in air or liquid supply system.

A medical endoscope transmits a high-quality image of the internal organs being examined to the screen in real time. Its operating principle is as follows:

• Flexible models of endoscopes are based on fiber optics. A bundle of optical fibers is inserted into the body by a doctor. Some of them transmit light into the body, while others reflect light from the internal components of the body back out. This creates an image of the internal organs on the screen.

• Rigid (metal) models are a tube with an optical system of thin or rod-shaped lenses inside. At the end inserted into the body is the objective lens. At the other end is the light guide connector and the eyepiece with an eyecup. For examination or treatment, the tube of a rigid endoscope is inserted into the body through a small incision or natural opening.

Medical use of an endoscope

Now that we have figured out what an endoscope is and how it works, let's consider how doctors use it. It has already been mentioned that this device is designed for visual examination of hard-to-reach places, as well as internal organs, using minimal surgical intervention - a small incision through which the tube is inserted.

An endoscope in medicine is one of the important tools for research and treatment. With the help of a flexible or rigid endoscope, specialists can examine internal organs without the need for large incisions. The main areas of medical use of the device include the following types of endoscopy:

• Gastroscopy is an examination of the stomach, esophagus and duodenum.

• Colonoscopy allows for a highly accurate diagnosis of the actual condition of the large intestine.

• Bronchoscopy is an examination of the respiratory tract and lungs.

• Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive operation on the abdominal organs.

• Arthroscopy is an examination of the joints.

Types of endoscopes and their features

There are different types of endoscopes, each with its own features and designed for specific tasks.

Flexible endoscopes

Flexible endoscopes are thin tubes with optics that can bend, making them ideal for examining hard-to-reach areas. They are used in gastroenterology, phthisiology and urology.

Features:

• High maneuverability.

• Possibility of penetration into tortuous anatomical structures.

• Equipped with fiber or digital optics for image transmission.

Rigid endoscopes

The devices look like a straight metal tube. They are used where high precision examination is required, such as laparoscopy, arthroscopy and hysteroscopy.

Features:

• High image quality.

• Reliable design.

• More often used in surgical interventions.

Capsule endoscopes

Capsule endoscopy is an innovative method of examining the gastrointestinal tract using a small capsule with a built-in camera that the patient swallows.

Features:

• Allows you to examine the small intestine, which is difficult to reach using traditional methods.

• The procedure is comfortable for the patient, since it does not require the insertion of a tube.

• Images are transmitted to a special device wirelessly.

Video endoscopes

A modern medical video endoscope is equipped with a miniature digital camera that transmits images to a monitor in real time. It is used in various medical fields, including gastroenterology, urology and otolaryngology.

Features:

• High image resolution.

• Video recording capability.

• Improved lighting and autofocus.

A variety of endoscopes allows medical professionals to effectively diagnose and treat various diseases. The choice of a specific type of device depends on the area of ​​application and the specifics of the disease. You will find a large selection of models on the website of the Rad Pharm company, which specializes in the sale of certified medical equipment in Ukraine.

Modern technologies continue to improve, making endoscopic procedures more accurate, safe and comfortable for patients.

Advantages of endoscopy

The endoscopy method has become widespread due to its many advantages:

• Minimal invasiveness. Endoscopy allows you to examine internal organs through natural openings of the body or small punctures.

• Upon completion of endoscopic procedures, patients can return to normal life on the same day.

• Diagnostics are highly accurate. Modern endoscopes are equipped with high-quality cameras and can transmit a detailed image of internal organs to the monitor. Thanks to this, the doctor can identify a disease or pathology at an early stage.

• Possibility of biopsy and a number of medical procedures. For example, polyps can be removed, tissue samples can be taken for biopsy, internal bleeding can be stopped, or foreign bodies can be removed without the need for incisions.

• Patient comfort. Modern endoscopic procedures are performed using local anesthesia or light sedation, making them virtually painless. In addition, the lack of need for a long hospital stay reduces stress for the patient.

Endoscopy is an important achievement in modern medicine, providing patients with a safe, accurate, and minimally invasive method of diagnosis and treatment. Due to its minimal invasiveness, rapid recovery, and high efficiency, this method continues to develop and find more and more application in various fields of medicine.