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How did fibre-optic instruments improve access to internal organs for biopsies?

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Tuberculosis — disease A doctor examining chest X-rays of patients infected with tuberculosis, which remains one of the world's deadliest diseases.

Fibre-optic instruments have significantly improved access to internal organs for biopsies by providing superior maneuverability and visualization compared to older, semirigid tools.1

These instruments are composed of bundles of hairlike glass rods that allow the device to be easily bent and twisted, enabling physicians to navigate complex bodily channels with greater ease and less patient discomfort. Because these endoscopes use intense light transmitted through the fibers, they allow the endoscopist to see around corners, as well as forward and backward, within the body.1

Crucially, these devices are designed to accommodate various accessories. By passing these tools through the endoscope, clinicians can perform targeted procedures, such as obtaining cell and tissue samples for pathological examination, excising polyps, or removing small tumors. This capability transforms the endoscope from a purely diagnostic tool into an effective instrument for minimally invasive surgical intervention and tissue collection.1