Endoscopic Surgery is primarily used to diagnose problems in the ear, gallbladder, knee, nose, and throat. This is done by the use of an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube. The endoscope is inserted into an opening in the body, being either a natural opening such as the rectum and mouth, or a small incision opening. This tool contains a fiber optic light and video camera, which transmits it pictures to video monitor in the operating room. An instrument can also be inserted through the endoscope which can remove sample of tissues in the body. This allows a surgeon to gain more knowledge about a specific tissue or growth in a body which would otherwise only be accessible by largely invasive surgery. Unlike major surgeries, this can be done completely under sedation, not general anesthesia.
Endoscopic surgery can be used for multiple purposes. Some are used to treat diseases and other conditions. Other forms are used to remove tumors and to stop bleeding lesions inside the body. Common forms of endoscopy include Colonoscopy, Laryngoscopy, GI Endoscopy, and Urethral Endoscopy. Each of these forms provide solutions to problems in the body that formerly could only be solved with invasive surgeries. As we continue into the future, Endoscopic surgery continues to improve. A new type, Capsule Endoscopy, is allowing medical professionals to go further an ever before. This new form allows a patient to swallow a pill which has a camera inside of it. This camera is sent through the body's systems and transmits pictures to a doctor throughout the day. This provides a non-invasive way to get an "inside look" on the body and form a more accurate diagnosis.
What does this mean???
Endoscopy, like other minimally invasive surgeries, helps lead into a surgical world where large incisions and major risks are not involved. The bottom line in any surgery is to fix the problem with the least disruption to the body. Endoscopy is a great way to do this. At the same time, endoscopic procedures allow for better detection of cancers, growths and possible diseases. A doctor can see inside the body, for example in a colonoscopy, and check for unwanted growths or lesions. The endoscope, a low-risk, efficient diagnostic and surgical tool, is revolutionizing the way surgeries are conducted. This revolution is leading to better surgeries, more early detection, and overall better health.
Below is a video of surgery and explanation from Dr. Titus Duncan of a thyroidectomy. Dr. Duncan explains that before using endoscopic techniques, this surgery required an incision in the neck, presenting a higher risk and leaving a scar. Now, with the use of endoscopy, an incision is made much lower than the neck.
Endoscopic surgery can be used for multiple purposes. Some are used to treat diseases and other conditions. Other forms are used to remove tumors and to stop bleeding lesions inside the body. Common forms of endoscopy include Colonoscopy, Laryngoscopy, GI Endoscopy, and Urethral Endoscopy. Each of these forms provide solutions to problems in the body that formerly could only be solved with invasive surgeries. As we continue into the future, Endoscopic surgery continues to improve. A new type, Capsule Endoscopy, is allowing medical professionals to go further an ever before. This new form allows a patient to swallow a pill which has a camera inside of it. This camera is sent through the body's systems and transmits pictures to a doctor throughout the day. This provides a non-invasive way to get an "inside look" on the body and form a more accurate diagnosis.
What does this mean???
Endoscopy, like other minimally invasive surgeries, helps lead into a surgical world where large incisions and major risks are not involved. The bottom line in any surgery is to fix the problem with the least disruption to the body. Endoscopy is a great way to do this. At the same time, endoscopic procedures allow for better detection of cancers, growths and possible diseases. A doctor can see inside the body, for example in a colonoscopy, and check for unwanted growths or lesions. The endoscope, a low-risk, efficient diagnostic and surgical tool, is revolutionizing the way surgeries are conducted. This revolution is leading to better surgeries, more early detection, and overall better health.
Below is a video of surgery and explanation from Dr. Titus Duncan of a thyroidectomy. Dr. Duncan explains that before using endoscopic techniques, this surgery required an incision in the neck, presenting a higher risk and leaving a scar. Now, with the use of endoscopy, an incision is made much lower than the neck.