Читать книгу Practical Pediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Группа авторов - Страница 17

As early as the end of the 18th century, the Lichtleier, an ancestor of the modern proctoscope, paved the way with a system of lenses illuminated by candlelight. The name “endoscope” was coined as early as 1853 by A.J. Desormeaux for an instrument used in urology [3] while the first “gastroscope” was developed in Erlangen by A. Kussmaul [4]. These instruments were hampered by the fact that they could not direct enough light to the targeted site. With the invention of the electric bulb, a better insight became possible, but these instruments could not be used for prolonged periods of time because of the heat generated by the light bulb.

In 1881, Mikulicz performed the first gastroscopy in a human being using a rigid instrument of 65 cm long and 14 mm diameter [5]. This angulated instrument compensated for the anatomical angulations of the human esophagus and was equipped with a water circulation system to cool the light bulb and channels for the light source and to introduce air.

In 1932, the first semiflexible gastroscope was developed by instrument maker and technician George Wolf and gastroenterologist Rudolf Schindler who is widely rated as “the father of gastroscopy.” This instrument allowed a greater range for examination, facilitating diagnosis and endoscopic treatments.

We cannot leave the discussion of semiflexible gastroscopy without mentioning one of the most decorated American gastroenterologists, Walter L. Palmer, who brought a new level of understanding to the diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases, particularly peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal cancer, and ulcerative colitis. In 1934, he facilitated the release of Dr. Schindler from a Nazi concentration camp where he was held because of his part‐Jewish blood. Eventually, Dr Schindler immigrated to the US. In 1941 he founded the Gastroscopic Club, now the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and became its first president.