Impact of nonsurgical, invasive endoscopy on the diagnosis and therapy of gastrointestinal diseases

In the last 2 decades, endoscopy has become the most reliable means of diag nosing gut disorders. With the aid of magnifying endoscopy and staining met hods, gastrointestinal cancers and malignant diseases can be detected in th e early stages. Endoscopic ultrasonography is currently indicated for stagi ng digestive cancers, assessing submucosal tumors, and diagnosing biliary a nd pancreatic diseases. During the past decade, endoscopy evolved from a so lely diagnostic tool to a therapeutic modality. Endoscopic heater probes, b ipolar electrocoagulation, and laser therapy are all effective for achievin g immediate hemostasis and preventing rebleeding in actively bleeding lesio ns. Various ligation methods and endoscopic injection sclerotherapy safely achieve high rates of hemostasis. Endoscopic mucosal resection allows curat ive treatment of gastrointestinal cancer in the mucosal layer, and removal of precancerous lesions. Endoscopic balloon dilators have been developed fo r dilating gut stenoses. Various endoprostheses are used for palliation of malignant stenoses. Endoscopic sphincterotomy, balloon dilation, lithotrips y, and endoprosthesis placement are alternatives for biliary tract and panc reatic disease therapy. Endoscopic photodynamic therapy is useful in pallia tion of esophageal cancer or in ablation of dysplastic lesions in Barrett's esophagus. With advances in modern biotechnology, endoscopy continues to s how value in treating or preventing diseases, with less discomfort and lowe r cost than other methods.