Changing role of endoscopy in the new millennium. Bushell Lecture, Asia-Pacific Digestive Week 2001.

Endoscopy has confronted many challenges, including serology tests for Helicobacter pylori, virtual colonoscopy and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. These new modalities might eventually replace endoscopy in diagnosing digestive tract diseases. New advancements such as capsule endoscopy, infrared spectroscopy, optical coherent tomography, and various therapeutic procedures have opened new horizons in the field. Endoscopists should keep their mind open and be prepared for the changing role of endoscopy in the new millennium. Copyright 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd