The utility of flexible endoscopy during advanced laparoscopy.

Abstract

Advanced laparoscopic techniques have continued to grow in prevalence for the treatment of gastrointestinal surgical conditions. The field of flexible endoscopy has also continued to increase the boundaries of its capabilities with the advent of purely flexible endoscopic techniques, such as in the treatment of gastrointestinal reflux disease. This article illustrates how flexible endoscopy can be used in combination with laparoscopy in a diverse number of operations in the human foregut and hindgut, such as reflux operations, esophageal myotomies, gastric resections, peptic ulcer operations, colon resections, and pancreatic pseudocyst operations. These examples of the utility of flexible endoscopy during laparoscopy show the marriage of these two disciplines. To be able to adequately use flexible endoscopy during laparoscopy, the surgeon will need to be skilled in flexible endoscopy, and the best way to maintain those skills is to use the flexible endoscopy in one's daily practice.