In modern healthcare, a high-quality endoscopy system directly impacts diagnostic accuracy, surgical outcomes, and patient satisfaction. As hospitals and clinics worldwide upgrade their minimally invasive capabilities, choosing the right system requires balancing clinical needs, budget constraints, and future scalability.
At MECANMED, we supply 200+ certified endoscope models across rigid, flexible, and 4K video systems—tailored to gastroenterology, pulmonology, ENT, and more. [Contact our experts] for a personalized recommendation.
A medical endoscope system typically consists of several integrated components (e.g., the endoscope, camera system. image processor, light source, monitor, suction and irrigation units, CO2 insufflator, recording system and etc.) to provide visualization, access, and recording during medical procedures.
It is mainly categorized by:
✅ Rigid Endoscope – a straight, inflexible tube made of stainless steel, used to examine or operate inside body cavities with a direct, linear path. (e.g., laparoscope, arthroscope, hysteroscope, cystoscope, sinuscope and spinal endoscope)
✅ Flexible Endoscope – a bendable tube equipped with control dials to navigate through curving anatomical passages like the gastrointestinal tract or bronchial tree. (e.g., gastroscope, colonoscope, bronchoscope, ureteroscope, enteroscope and cholangioscope)
✅ Video Endoscope – a modern type of endoscope (rigid or flexible) that includes a built-in miniature video camera at the tip. Images are transmitted digitally to a monitor in real-time.
Applicable Scene: gastrointestinal endoscopy screening, polypectomy, ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection), ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
Common Endoscope Type: gastroscopes, colonoscopes, duodenoscopes, enteroscopes, etc.
Applicable Scene: bronchoscopy, lung cancer biopsy, EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Biopsy)
Common Endoscope Type: bronchoscopes (flexible or rigid)
Applicable Scene: bladder cancer screening, ureterolithotripsy, prostate surgery
Common Endoscope Type: cystoscopes, ureteroscopes (flexible or rigid), nephroscopes
Applicable Scene: hysteroscopy, myomectomy, fallopian tube recanalization
Common Endoscope Type: hysteroscopes (rigid), laparoscopes
Applicable Scene: tympanic membrane repair, middle ear cholesteatoma excision, sinus surgery, nasal polypectomy, nasal cavity tumor biopsy, vocal cord polypectomy, laryngeal cancer screening
Common Endoscope Type: nasopharyngoscopes, laryngoscopes, otoscopes
Applicable Scene: meniscus repair of the knee joint, treatment of rotator cuff injury, ankle joint debridement
Common Endoscope Type: arthroscope (rigid)
Applicable Scene: laparoscopic cholecystectomy, thoracoscopic lobectomy
Common Endoscope Type: laparoscopes, thoracoscopes
Key Requirements: high-definition imaging, comprehensive field of view, high patient comfort (especially for outpatient or non-invasive examinations).
Key Points for Selection:
Prioritize flexible endoscopes. The flexible nature of these endoscopes is suitable for comprehensive observation of complex cavities (e.g., intestinal peristalsis, bronchial branches, etc.) to reduce blind spots.
Key Requirements: wide operating channel, strong compatibility with instruments, high imaging stability (support for energy device intervention).
Key Points for Selection:
a) Pediatric Patients
Core Characteristics: narrow luminal diameter, fragile tissues, and low cooperation level.
b) Geriatric Patients
Core Characteristics: poor tissue elasticity, concurrent cardiopulmonary insufficiency, and high sensitivity to stimulation.
Key Points for Selection:
a) Underweight Patients (BMI<18.5)
Core Characteristics: narrow luminal diameter, thin tissue, and high organ mobility due to minimal abdominal fat.
Key Points for Selection:
b) Obese/Bariatric Patients (BMI≥30)
Core Characteristics: thick abdominal wall
Key Points for Selection:
1. Long insertion tube
2. Variable stiffness scopes
3. High-powered light source and high-definition (ultra high-definition) imaging system for deep tissue penetration
Applicable Scene:
1. Routine examinations
2. Basic diagnosis and treatment
3. Emergency care
4. Rapid screening
5. Low-complexity surgery
Applicable Scene:
1. Early lesion detection
2. Fine structure identification
3. High-precision minimally invasive surgery
4. Complex interventional therapy
5. Teaching and research
Examples: small clinics, solo practitioners, dental offices
Recommended Endoscopes: portable endoscopes, all-in-one video endoscopes, rigid endoscopes
Examples: community hospitals, mid-sized polyclinics, outpatient departments
Recommended Endoscopes: modular systems (camera head + light source + monitor), flexible video endoscopes, basic endoscopy towers
Examples: large hospitals, surgical centers, university medical centers
Recommended Endoscopes: high-definition or 4K video endoscopes, specialty systems, integrated OR endoscopy systems
In summary, selecting the optimal endoscopy system is a multifaceted decision that hinges on a variety of factors, including the clinical specialty, purpose of operation (diagnostic and therapeutic), patient characteristics (age and body type), image quality requirements (HD and 4K), and the scale of the medical institution (small, medium and large). MECANMED’s guide offers a comprehensive framework for global buyers to navigate these considerations. By carefully reviewing this guide, buyers can make informed choices that enhance diagnostic precision, surgical safety, and overall patient outcomes. Whether for small-scale clinics or large university medical centers, the right endoscopy system can significantly contribute to the advancement of medical care and the improvement of patient experiences.