Technical Advancements Crucial for Growth in Endoscopy Sector.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- There are many benefits of endoscopic procedures, such as reduced costs, compared to traditional open surgeries. Further, endoscopic procedures result in elimination of sedation, monitoring, and length of stay costs. This coincides with a growing public demand for less invasive practices that allow speedy recuperation with less pain.

Frost & Sullivan (http://www.ti.frost.com) finds through its research service, Advances in Endoscopy, that riding on the widespread acceptance of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), endoscopy is likely to continue witnessing an upward trend in its deployment. While certain imaging technologies might redefine the role of diagnostic endoscopes, they are likely to remain an important tool in the hands of specialists practicing in varied sectors of the medical field.

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Medicare and managed care organizations (MCOs) are benefiting greatly from the high returns on investment (ROI) associated with endoscopy, despite the high costs of equipment and surgeon fees. This switch to endoscopy is also a response to the rising patient preference for less invasive procedures.

"The patient populations inclination toward MIS over invasive surgery is due to the reduced pain and trauma, shorter hospital stay, minimal chances of infection, and lower costs," explains Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst A. N. Aditya. "The postoperative complications are largely reduced as the surgical site is minimally exposed to the external environment."

Following these advantages, the medical fraternity is utilizing endoscopic practices in areas other than traditional hospital settings. Physicians and specialists in fields such as otolaryngology, urology, gynecology, gastroenterology, and orthopedic surgery are investing in equipment, creating a new concept of office-based endoscopy. Manufacturers are tapping into this trend by establishing special endoscopy suites equipped with visualization equipment.

Manufacturers are also keeping track of technical advances in related sectors such as robotics, optics, and communications. These developments are key drivers for the endoscopic industry.

"For instance, in order to increase the workflow efficiency, hospitals have started implementing hospital information systems where most of the data flows electronically," points out Aditya. "The introduction of picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) and radiology information systems means that all endoscopic images need to be digitally stored driving the industry toward adopting new endoscopic technologies with digital data storage features."

In addition to developments in related sectors, evolutions in the endoscopic sector are vital for progress. Key innovations such as in equipment and accessories, along with the autoclavable rigid endoscope, PillCam, and the flexible endoscope have revolutionized the endoscopic sector.

Advances in Endoscopy is part of the Technical Insights - Diagnostic Imaging, which also includes research in the following technologies: imaging, lasers, minimally invasive surgery, microscopy, robotics, and medical devices. All research services included in this subscription provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews are available to the press.

Technical Insights is an international technology analysis business that produces a variety of technical news alerts, newsletters, and research services.

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Advances in Endoscopy

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