Endoscopy is the examination and inspection of the interior of body organs, joints or cavities through an endoscope. An endoscope is a device that uses fiber optics and powerful lens systems to provide lighting and visualization of the interior of a joint. The portion of the endoscope inserted into the body may be rigid or flexible, depending upon the medical procedure. In the early 1900s, the first attempts to view inside the body with lighted telescopes were made. These initial devices were often fully rigid. In the 1930s, semi-flexible endoscopes called gastroscopes were developed to view inside of the stomach. Fiber-optic endoscopy was pioneered by South African-born physician Basil Hirschowitz at the University of Michigan in 1957. Widespread use of fiber optic endoscopes began in the 1960s.
Copyright © 2026 eLLeNow.com All Rights Reserved.