Three decades of gastrointestinal endoscopy service in Brunei Darussalam

Vui Heng CHONG            

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, RIPAS Hospital, Brunei Darussalam

ABSTRACT

Endoscopy is an important tool for the evaluation of any hollow organs or cavities. In the field of gastroenterology, endoscopy has become an integral and essential tool in the investigations of gastrointestinal diseases. The first endoscopic equipment was a rigid instrument that utilised candle light source. As technology progressed, optical lens improved the quality of images, followed by development of flexible fibre optic endoscopes and charged coupled device used in the modern videoendoscopes. Endoscopic equipment have completely revolutionalised the practice of medicine. In Brunei Darussalam, the first endoscopic system was introduced in 1978 and with introduction of newer equipment, services provision expanded. This article reviews the history and experience of gastrointestinal endoscopic services in Brunei Darussalam.

Keywords: Brunei Darussalam, endoscopic services, endoscopy, gastrointestinal diseases

Correspondence author: Vui Heng CHONG. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, RIPAS Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan BA 1710,Brunei Darussalam

Tel: +673 2242424 Ext 5233

E mail: chongvuih@yahooc.co.uk

Brunei Int Med J. 2014; 10 (5): 235-246