Future of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Abstract

AbstractThe field of medical gastroenterology has come a long way from the era of x-rays and empirical diagnosis to an era of therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) and precision medicine with accurate diagnosis. GIE is an important component of gastroenterology clinical practice with optical innovations like high-definition endoscopes, magnification endoscopy and optical imaging adjuncts such as narrow band imaging and confocal laser endomicroscopy having transformed an endoscope into a miracle tool. The advent of endoscopic ultrasound, an amalgamation of endoscope and ultrasound technology, has further revolutionised GIE. Development of wireless capsule endoscope has made possible to visualise the unexplored blind areas of small intestine, and lot of efforts are underway to develop a therapeutic capsule endoscope that may make possible remotely controlled endoscopic surgeries. The future of GIE appears to be like a fiction movie with advancements in three-dimensional imaging, computers, electronic platforms, artificial intelligence, biomechanical engineering and molecular imaging driving GIE to an altogether different unbelievable level. The field of third space endoscopy is another promising innovation in the field of endoscopic surgery that provides endoscopic access to the enteric nervous system and thus plethora of possibilities to treat various gastrointestinal motility disorders. Computer and robotically assisted endoscopic surgery platforms of future will further enhance the therapeutic capabilities of endoscopists. This brief review discusses the probable future of GIE and how it is going to transform the practice of gastroenterology.KeywordsEndoscopyEndosonographyThird space endoscopySurgeryCapsule endoscopy