ENDOSCOPE

Typical Number in Hospital: 30

Cost Bands: 3,4

References: 4

Direct visualization of a diseased area inside the body can be achieved by using a telescope or tube passed through a natural orifice or through a small incision in the skin. This may be rigid employing a series of lenses, or flexible employing optic fibres to convey the illuminating light, and to convey the image to the eyepiece. The endoscope is often fitted with one or more extra channels through which operating instruments may be passed such as electrosurgery probes, or manipulating, grasping or crushing forceps. These channels may also be used for delivering fluids or gas, providing suction, or passing sampling catheters or laser light pipes. In the case of flexible endoscopes the operating handle may also include controls for manipulating the tip to the site required.

There is almost no part of the body not now accessible for endoscopes for viewing or treatment, and typical sites include the ear, throat, urinary tract, lungs, intestines and abdominal cavity.

In the case of the sigmoidoscope used for examining the rectum and sigmoid colon the scope may consist of a hollow cylinder without special optics.