The evolution of lower gastrointestinal endoscopy: where are we now?

• Main Authors: Arun Sivananthan, Ben Glover, Lakshmana Ayaru, Kinesh Patel, Ara Darzi, Nisha Patel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2020-12-01
• Series: Therapeutic Advances in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1177/2631774520979591

Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy has evolved over time, fulfilling a widening diagnostic and therapeutic remit. As our understanding of colorectal cancer and its prevention has improved, endoscopy has progressed with improved diagnostic technologies and advancing endoscopic therapies. Despite this, the fundamental design of the endoscope has remained similar since its inception. This review presents the important role lower gastrointestinal endoscopy serves in the prevention of colorectal cancer and the desirable characteristics of the endoscope that would enhance this. A brief history of the endoscope is presented. Current and future robotic endoscopic platforms, which may fulfil these desirable characteristics, are discussed. The incorporation of new technologies from allied scientific disciplines will help the endoscope fulfil its maximum potential in preventing the increasing global burden of colorectal cancer. There are a number of endoscopic platforms under development, which show significant promise.