Origins of Endoscopy

In 1795, the German physician Bozzini entered the endoscope through natural cavities, marking the beginning of endoscopy. In 1835, Antoine Jean Desormeaux, considered the father of endoscopy, used a kerosene lamp as a light source to observe the bladder through the refraction of light by a mirror. The world's first endoscope was invented in 1853 by the French physician Desormeaux. An endoscope is a commonly used medical instrument. It consists of a flexible part, a light source, and a set of lenses. During use, the endoscope is inserted into the organ to be examined, allowing direct visualization of changes in the relevant area.

 

The earliest endoscopes were used for rectal examinations. The doctor inserted a rigid tube into the patient's anus and observed rectal lesions by the light of a candle. This method provided limited diagnostic information, was painful for the patient, and posed a significant risk of perforation due to the rigidity of the instrument. Despite these drawbacks, endoscopic examination continued to be used and developed, gradually leading to the design of many different types and applications of instruments.

In 1855, the Spanish physician Caesar invented the laryngoscope. In 1861, German Heymann von Heimoz invented the fundus endoscope.

 

In 1878, Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, and the invention of the miniature light bulb, in particular, greatly advanced endoscopy, enabling highly precise endoscopy for ad-hoc surgeries.

 

In 1878, German urologist M. Niez invented the cystoscope, which could be used to examine certain lesions within the bladder.

 

In 1897, German G. Killian conceived of the bronchoscope. More than 20 years later, thanks to the efforts of American Joan Chevalier Jackson, the bronchoscope entered the practical application stage. Soon, it began to be used in routine lung examinations. In 1862, German Smohr invented the esophagus endoscope. In 1903, American Kelly invented the rectoscope, but it did not become widely used until after 1930. In 1913, Swede Jacobs reformed the pleural endoscopy method. In 1922, American Hindler developed the gastroscopy method. In 1928, German Karlke developed the laparoscopy method. In 1936, American Skaffer conducted experiments on ventriculoscopy, but it wasn't until 1962 that Germans Guau and Fristier established the ventriculoscopy method. This formed a complete series of endoscopic techniques.