Surgical endoscopy a historical perspective for the future

Flexible endoscopy today is often assumed to be the exclusive domain of medical gastroenterologists. Surgeons however, have been, and continue to be, pioneers and practitioners of endoscopy, significantly advancing this minimally invasive field through their contributions.

We present a historical review of the contributions surgeons have made in the creation and practice of flexible endoscopy - and offer our vision of the course of future collaborative development of the field.

Surgical endoscopists have and continue to have a tremendous impact on both the technology and techniques of flexible endoscopy. While the involvement of surgeons in flexible endoscopy varies from country to country, it remains a fundamental component of surgical training and an important part of the practice of many surgeons.

Flexible endoscopy has always been and continues to be an important patient care tool that is shared between medical gastroenterology and digestive surgery. "Turf war" efforts to restrict access to this important tool are unjustified and only serve to deprive patients of the dramatic benefits this tool offers.