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Endoscopy is a technique that allows examination of an area of the body by means of an endoscope, a tubelike instrument with lenses and a light source attached. The endoscope provides visual examination of the interior of the body through a natural body opening such as the throat or through a small incision into the body. Because the endoscope can be inserted through a very small opening, it is a less invasive method than other surgical techniques, causing less scarring and a quicker recovery time. A camera or video recorder is often used during an endoscopic procedure to provide permanent records of internal organs which may be used for later reference. Endoscopy began in the 1930's with the invention of a semi-flexible gastroscope for viewing the stomach. Prior to this, in the early 1900's, attempts were made to view the interior of the body through a rigid lighted tube similar to a telescope; however, this tool was unsuccessful. In the 1950's a major breakthrough came with the introduction of fiber optics, flexible bundles of glass or plastic fibers along which light is transmitted. This led to the development of more versatile instruments and ultimately to the acceptance of endoscopy as a routine part of hospital medicine. What are the uses of endoscopy? There are two main uses of endoscopy - diagnostic and therapeutic. A suspected tumor or other disorder in the stomach, bladder, lungs or other organs can be examined through the use of endoscopy. In addition to studying the organ, the physician is able to take a biopsy sample (a small piece of suspicious tissue) for testing. This procedure once required major surgery. Endoscopy is valuable in the removal of polyps (small growths), treatment of knee joint and other joint disorders, and inspection as well as treatment of the bronchi, colon, female reproductive organ, and gastrointestinal tract. How is endoscopy used in cosmetic surgery? In the area of cosmetic surgery, endoscopy is now widely used to perform many procedures. These include forehead lift, (Fig. A) brow lift, facelift, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) (Fig. B), rhinoplasty (nose surgery), placement of tissue expanders, and various tissue harvest procedures. Use of the endoscope during cosmetic procedures allows the physician to make smaller incisions without disrupting the blood supply and soft tissue in the area. A variety of instruments can be inserted into the endoscope or into other small incisions to perform the various procedures. Through the use of magnification and illumination of the area, there is less trauma to surrounding small nerves and tissues. Because the incisions can be made in remote locations, the resulting scars are in inconspicuous places. (Fig. C) All of these advantages may shorten recovery time, aid healing and give better results.
About endoscopic surgery Prior to treatment, a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient and a thorough examination is made. Patients with excess skin that needs excision may not be candidates for endoscopy. The physician describes the procedure, what results might realistically be expected, possible risks and complications, and type of anesthesia to be used. In most cases, a general anesthesia is not required. In addition, the physician may indicate that, if complications do occur, the procedure may be completed through the use of conventional techniques. Although treatment through endoscopy causes less bleeding than standard techniques, preoperative directions may include the elimination of certain drugs such as aspirin, which can cause more bleeding. Antibiotics may be prescribed prior to treatment to prevent infection. The area to be worked on may be marked with a marking pen immediately before the procedure. Post operative directions are given based on the procedure. In most cases, patients are completely ambulatory soon after the procedure, but rest may be recommended. The physician advises when normal activities can be resumed. Copyright © 1997 Contemporary Health Communications, Chesterfield, Missouri (Commercial use strictly prohibited) |
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