Topic of the Month April: Endoscopy in Focus

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Endoscopy is one the most innovative areas in modern medicine, and the technical development is far from over. The main focus of endoscopy is gastroenterology, but endoscopic diagnosis and operating techniques are of gaining significance in many other fields of medicine. The tools provide pin sharp images from within the body and render earlier and better diagnoses possible – especially in oncology.

In April's topic of the month we present an up-date the advantages and limitations of various endoscopic techniques – virtual endoscopy, capsular endoscopy, and zoom endoscopy. In addition to that, we provide research news and an extensive list of guidelines and resources on the topic.

The causes of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding are often difficult to determine, as conventional endoscopic procedures are hardly available for the detection of disorders in the small intestine - wireless endoscopy might prove to be a solution to this problem. - Images from Within the Small Intestines

According the recent studies, virtual colonoscopy not only seems to be a safe alternative to standard colonoscopy, the non-invasive form of endoscopy is also preferred by most patients. The results could have an important impact on the future of screening for colorectal cancer. - Virtual Colonoscopy – A Safe Screening Alternative?

Zoom- or high-resolution endoscopes offer many advantages, especially for the early detection of colorectal cancer. Providing magnifications of up to 150x, these tools enable malignant diseases to be detected and treated much earlier. - Zooming In to Detect Cancer

As usual, we provide a list of guidelines ans professional guidelines on our topic of the month - this month on the various forms of endoscopy, particularly in gastroenterology. - Endoscopy online - Guidelines and Professional Societies

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