Through the years, the medical community has developed more uses for endoscopes and they guide a myriad of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures from examining the lungs, bladder, colon or just about any part of the body.

"As more people worldwide become educated and aware of colon cancer and other illnesses affecting the gastrointestinal tract, more people are seeking screening and treatment for these illnesses," says Harvey Buxbaum, President of HMB Endoscopy Products. "For this reason the demand for endoscopy procedures is on the rise."





Today's endoscopes may be used in conjunction with a camera or video recorder to document images of the inside of the joint or chronicle an endoscopic procedure, while new endoscopes have digital capabilities for manipulating and enhancing the video images. New technological developments such as high definition image clarity and narrow-band imaging are expected to drive the market over the next decade and beyond.

Industry Happenings

As new procedures are constantly being introduced that replace open surgeries with minimally invasive techniques, the overall endoscopy business continues to prosper. Even though sales for new equipment are steady, the refurbished and repair markets have been booming.

"The state of the endoscopy industry in 2009 is on the rise," says Scott Townsend, president of Tennessee-based Townsend Surgical, which specializes in endoscopy equipment. "A slowing economy has resulted in a slight decrease in demand for the newest and most expensive types of scopes. However, the demand for repairs, small diameter fiberscopes and older videoscopes is stronger than ever."

Gary Gross, President of S.R.I., an Illinois company that refurbishes and repairs endoscopic equipment, agrees that the entire landscape is still improving - even with our recession-based economy. "Capital dollars are being watched, but when equipment upgrades are needed with technology enhancements, equipment is being purchased," he says.

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