Application and Development of Rigid Endoscopy

Rigid endoscopes are indispensable tools in modern medicine, primarily used for the diagnosis and treatment of lesions in natural cavities and puncture openings of superficial and shallow parts of the human body, such as cystoscopes and hysteroscopes. During the operation, rigid endoscopes cannot bend to ensure image quality and operational safety.

The History of Rigid Endoscopes

Rigid endoscopes have a development history that can be traced back to ancient Greece. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, once described a similar rectal speculum. Although the instruments at that time were not exactly the same as today's rigid endoscopes, their basic functions were similar. With technological advancements, rigid endoscopes have gone through several development stages, including the open rigid tube endoscope and the rigid tube endoscope with an optical system. The continuous innovation of modern endoscopes has led to increasingly widespread applications of rigid endoscopes in various fields, especially in surgical and medical diagnostics and treatments.

Basic Structure and Working Principle of Rigid Endoscopes

Rigid endoscopes mainly consist of an optical imaging system and an illumination system. Externally, they appear as slender metal tubes equipped with a multi-lens optical system inside. The optical imaging system includes an objective lens system, an image relaying system, and an eyepiece system. The inverted image formed by the objective lens is converted into an upright image by the image relaying system, which is then magnified by the eyepiece for the doctor to observe. The illumination system, made up of fiber optics, transmits light from a cold light source to the front end of the endoscope, ensuring the clarity of the observed object.

Various Applications of Rigid Endoscopes

Rigid endoscopes have extensive applications in different medical fields. Here are some main types of rigid endoscopes and their functions:

• Cystoscope: Mainly used for non-invasive surgeries of bladder lesions, suitable for treating various bladder inflammations. It features low risk and high success rates.

• Laparoscope: This is a rigid endoscope with a micro-camera, capable of performing minimally invasive surgeries with small incisions and fast recovery. It is an essential tool for surgical operations.

• Arthroscope: Used to observe internal structures of joints, it is crucial for diagnosing and treating various joint disorders such as osteoarthritis and traumatic arthritis.

• Hysteroscope: As a minimally invasive gynecological technique, the hysteroscope is used for diagnosing and treating intrauterine lesions, offering new treatment options for female patients.

Rigid endoscopes are widely used, not only improving diagnostic and treatment efficiency but also enhancing the treatment experience for patients. With continuous technological advancements, the applications of rigid endoscopes will further expand, promoting the ongoing development of medical technology.