Abstract
We described the experience of endoscopy using an ultra-thin endoscope for the examinations after surgery of upper-gastrointestinal cancer. We have used the ultra-thin endoscope for daily examination mainly bia transnasal route. In the 4-year period from 2002 to 2006, 369 (35.3%)cases of 1031 objects were patients with malignancy, with esophageal cancer accounting for 136(13.2%) and stomach cancer for 137(13.3%). Postoperative examinations for esophageal and stomach cancer accounted for 129(12.5%), and one early residual stomach cancer could be detected. The patients received surgery for upper gastrointestinal tract cancer require a strict follow-up, and the greatest possible tolerability is now demanded like in routine cancer screening. Endoscopy using an ultra-thin endoscope makes it possible to use the transnasal route, which can be an examination well-suited for follow up study in postoperative cases and cancer cases with severe stenosis because it has excellent tolerability and facilitates various endoscopic therapies, too. In the future, endoscopy using an ultra-thin endoscope could be spread at general hospitals and cancer centers in addition to medical screening facilities.
