ABSTRACT
Endoscopists in the 19th century used open, rigid tubes to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Flexible fiberoptic endoscopes were first developed in 1958. Endoscopy of the upper GI tract is performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic reasons: upper GI tract bleeding, ingested foreign bodies, and caustic ingestion, and so on. Flexible esophagogastroduodenoscopy is used in the evaluation and management of upper GI tract bleeding. Either flexible or rigid esophagoscopy is mandatory in the evaluation and treatment of suspected esophageal foreign bodies. Esophagogastroscopy is useful in the evaluation of infants and children following suspected ingestion of caustic substances as clinical manifestations poorly correlate with esophageal damage. Endoscopy is beneficial in the diagnosis and treatment of strictures and achalasia. Endoscopic techniques may be used to place gastrostomy tubes and transpyloric feeding tubes. The choice of rigid or flexible endoscopes depends on the procedure planned and the experience and training of the surgeon.
