ABSTRACT
The history of endoscopic instruments, endoscopy, and colonoscopy can be divided into
three eras: (1) the rigid endoscopic era (1805 to 1932), (2) the semiflexible endoscopic
era (1932 to 1957), and (3) the era of flexible endoscopy (1957 to present). The first
era began with the use of open, rigid tubes illuminated by a candle and ended with
the use of rigid tubes that employed optical lens systems and electric light. The
second era was marked by the development of semiflexible endoscopes equipped with
photographic ability and a biopsy channel. The third era started with the application
of a fiberoptic system to endoscopy, which resulted in flexible endoscopes that had
high-quality light and imaging characteristics. These flexible endoscopes completely
revolutionized endoscopy, converting it from a simple diagnostic evaluation into a
powerful therapeutic tool. Current technological advances have placed us on the cusp
of a new, fourth era in endoscopy. This era will be characterized by digital enhancement
and manipulation of images, diagnoses made without the need for biopsies, and enhancement
of current therapies for more-advanced lesions. Ultimately, technological advances
(e.g., virtual colonoscopy and colography) may render conventional endoscopy obsolete
but perhaps not in our professional lifespan. A knowledge of the history of our past
is essential in understanding our current capabilities and limitations and can help
point us in future directions.
KEYWORD
History - endoscopy - sigmoidoscopy - colonoscopy
