抄録
623 cases of esophagoscopy have been experienced in our clinic for the past one and half years. Many illnesses were found, such as cancer, non-specific ulceration, varices, diverticula, esophagitis, cicatrical stricture, etc. In about half of these cases, esophago-fiberscope (Olympus EFS) was used. No complications have been experienced yet.
Some studies of the esophago-fiberscope will be reported from the above experienced cases. The insertion by the fiberscope is much easier and the patients experience less pain.
Upon direet examination, the findings of the mucosa could be enlarged by manipulating the lens. Especially, the diagnosis of the lower part of the esophagus could be easily done. The fiberscope which could be flexed at an angle at the distal end, makes possible the ability to see the whole portion of the esophago-cardio-junction. Because of the flexibility of the fiberscope, the patients with marked kyphosis and patients with heart failure and varices, it could be inserted safely.
On the contrary, the dysadvantages of the esophago-fiberscop are that it can not remove the foreign bodies and dilate the narrowed portion of the esophagus. At present, the photograph of the esophgo-fiberscope is less clear than that of the rigid esophagoscope.
We hope the advantages of the esophago-fiberscope is to spread the esophagoscopic examination which will result in the early diagnosis of cancer of the esophagus.
