The Evolving Scope of Endoscopy: Insights into Emerging Trends and Practices

Voranaddha Vacharathit, MD, FRCST

Over the past decade, endoscopy has advanced significantly, blurring the lines between surgical endoscopy, flexible endoscopy, and robotics. This evolution underscores the growing importance of collaboration among surgeons, gastroenterologists, and other specialists, including engineers.

In this issue, “The Evolving Scope of Endoscopy: Insights into Emerging Trends and Practices,” we explore the exciting new technologies and techniques reshaping the field. Topics include advancements in endoscopy-based diagnostics, such as EndoFLIP technology for directing surgical care, the use of indocyanine green in endoscopic liver surgery, combined surgical endoscopy techniques for revisional bariatric surgery, and a review of past and emerging endoscopic interventions within the submucosal plane of the gastrointestinal tract.

World-renowned experts provide valuable insights into novel techniques, including tips and tricks for the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) procedure and practical advice on the even more recently popularized transoral incisionless fundoplication with concomitant hiatal hernia repair procedure. Additionally, this issue addresses the integration of robotics in endoscopy and the rise of remote training for endoscopic and robotics-based skills through telementoring, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

I believe this issue of Digestive Disease Interventions not only showcases the remarkable progress in surgical endoscopy over the past decade but also highlights the field's breadth, diversity, and the essential role of multidisciplinary collaboration in driving both technological and technical innovation.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 February 2025