Endoscopy is a diagnostic tool that enables veterinarians to look inside a patient's body without resorting to surgery. The word "endoscopy" means "to look inside," and it involves using a flexible or rigid endoscope to examine a patient's internal organs, tissues, and other structures.
There are various types of endoscopic procedures that can be performed, including bronchoscopy, gastroscopy, cystoscopy, vaginoscopy, rhinoscopy, arthroscopy, and equine upper respiratory and gastro-intestinal examination. The size and length of the endoscope used for a particular procedure depend on the type of examination being carried out.
Flexible endoscopy is particularly useful in veterinary practice because it allows for a non-invasive examination of a patient. The veterinarian can examine a patient and obtain a clinical diagnosis without the need for surgery. Flexible endoscopy can be used to explore the bronchi and carry out BALs, examine the stomach, pylorus, and duodenum, as well as the colon with relative ease. It is also a useful tool for foreign body retrieval with the use of a range of suitable retrieval instruments.
Figure 1.1. Rigid Endoscope
A flexible endoscope consists of various components, including a light source, a viewing lens, and a channel port for introducing instruments and catheters. The tip of the scope can be deflected in four directions, up and down, left and right, to aid in directing the scope through the patient and allowing for an all-round examination.
Figure 1.2 Flexible Endoscope
Flexible endoscopes are available in several types, ranging from urethrascopes, bronchoscopes, and gastroscopes to upper respiratory scopes and gastroscopes for equine use. A fibre scope is a type of endoscope that uses tiny straw-like strands that allow light to pass through them, enabling the veterinarian to look through the eyepiece at the end of the scope and examine the patient's internal structures.
When purchasing an endoscope, it is important to buy from a reputable supplier and to ensure that the equipment is of good quality. While there may be cheaper options available, buying from internet auction sites can result in equipment with damage to the fibre bundle or other major components, which can be expensive to fix or may not be fixable at all.
Endoscopy is a valuable tool in veterinary medicine, allowing vets to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions in pets. However, it requires specific skills and training to use the equipment effectively and safely. At IMV Imaging, we understand that veterinary professionals may have questions about endoscopy training, so we've put together some answers to common queries.
We offer CPD using one of our very realistic mannequins, which will enable you to learn how to steer a scope through the oesophagus, into the stomach, and through the pylorus into the duodenum. Alternatively, we can provide the services of Professor Mark Dunning, who can attend your practice to teach you the necessary techniques for successful examination, diagnosis, and foreign body retrieval. Please note that there will be a charge for this service dependent on location travelling time etc. We have an Introduction to Endoscopy courses running with Nottingham University in May and October this year, please find details below:
At VESCO, our account managers are experienced in teaching how to set up and handle the equipment. They can show you some techniques, let you drive the scope in one of our realistic mannequins, offer advice on foreign body retrieval, and advise on the best instrumentation. They can also provide guidance on do's and don'ts of endoscopy.
We recommend the BSAVA manual of Canine and Feline Endoscopy and Endosurgery by Lhermette and Sobel as a comprehensive guide to endoscopy, setting up the tower, techniques, and more. Other resources are available on our IMV Imaging Academy found here:
Free Learning Resources - IMV Imaging Academy
Yes, we do. At the initial demonstration or on installation, our account managers will teach Veterinary Nurses how to prepare the equipment prior to the procedure. They will then go through techniques of endoscopy/bronchoscopy, do's and don'ts, what to avoid, how to prevent damage to the equipment, and the best instruments to have available. Finally, they will provide a thorough training session with Veterinary Nurses on how to clean and store the scopes.
In Conclusion at VESco, we're committed to providing the best possible support and training for veterinary professionals who use our endoscopy equipment. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, we can offer a range of training options and resources to help you get the most out of your equipment. Check out our full range of Endoscopy Learning Resources here:
Endoscopy Resources