PLEASE NOTE THAT A MORE RECENT EDITION OF THIS TITLE IS AVAILABLE IN THE LIBRARY

The history and the physical examination of a patient indicates to the clinician the probable region of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract responsible for clinical signs. Further investigations using plain and contrast radiography, ultrasonography and functional tests may permit a tentative diagnosis to be made. However, these investigative procedures rarely permit a definitive diagnosis. Until recently clinicians have been limited in their ability to diagnose GI disease morphologically because of the need to carry out an exploratory laparotomy in order to obtain biopsy samples, where such a procedure may compromise an already seriously ill patient. The ability to pass a flexible endoscope directly into the GI tract and visualize the mucosa for gross abnormalities and collect biopsy samples without resorting to surgery have revolutionized gastroenterology. This chapter explains Flexible endoscope design; Components of the endoscope; Care and cleaning of endoscopes; Common problems encountered during endoscopy; Biopsy collection; Patient preparation for the upper GI endoscopy; Oesphagoscopy; Gastroscopy; Enteroscopy; Ileoscopy; and Colonoscopy.