An introduction to flexible endoscopy

The use of flexible endoscopes is common in both medical and surgical specialties. Flexible endoscopes provide the unique ability to reach cavities and viscera not visible to the naked eye. They allow for minimally invasive investigation of symptoms, diagnosis of pathology and application of directed therapies. Although the ability to see inside the human body has challenged pioneers of medical science for centuries, it is only in the last 100 years that technology has evolved to produce the advances in computers, fibreoptics and mechanics required for endoscopy. The commonest flexible endoscopic examinations of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) and colonoscopy. These are discussed in detail in this article, including their indications, preparation for, risks and the procedure itself. Future applications of flexible endoscopy include advances in the imaging systems, newer endoscopes with ‘self-drive’ capabilities and enhancement of targeted therapeutics. Also falling under the future umbrella of flexible endoscopists is the application of NOTE (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic) surgery.