A medical endoscope provides a real-time body analysis (via a small camera attached to a long, thin tube) as the doctor moves the device through the body passage or opening. When it comes to endoscope equipment, it's imperative to have quality tools to maximize the physician's view while minimizing trauma to the patient.

A quality endoscope camera can perform many tasks, including removing polyps from the colon, looking at joints, examining the lungs, checking out the urinary system and examining the abdomen or pelvis. When trying to find the best endoscope price, consider the following:

1. Weigh the pros and cons of new versus used versus endoscope imaging equipment.

2. Decide if you favor a particular endoscope manufacturer whose equipment you've used and were happy with in the past.

3. Identify a service provider that can repair the endoscope equipment you select.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase high quality new endoscope equipment

A number of reputable endoscope manufacturers and dealers are available online. These manufacturers offer quality new equipment to inspect every imaginable body part.

I recommend: Check out the endoscope selection from Olympus. Precision Optics offers sinusscopes, arthroscopes, specialty-scopes, laparascopes and more. Consider the 90 Series Endoscopes available from PENTAX. Look at the G-5 Endoscopes from Fujinon, a division of Fuji.

Consider a used endoscope camera for less impact on your budget

If you are budget conscious, purchase of used endoscope camera equipment. Many companies offer waranties or trial periods on pre-owned equipment to ensure your satisfaction.

I recommend: Purchase pre-owned endoscopy equipment from Endoscopy Resources. They offer an 18-month warranty and a 7-day, no obligation trial period. Their selection includes bronchoscopes, colonoscopes, duodenoscopes, gastroscopes, rhinolaryngoscopes and sigmoidoscopes. Advanced Endoscopy Solutions is another source for pre-owned endoscopy equipment. Buy used flexible endoscopes, endoscope peripherals and accessories from Pro Scope Systems. Buy factory new and refurbished endoscopy equipment from DRE.

Know where to repair your endoscopes

Endoscopes are expensive, so having the right resources on hand to facilitate their repair or find replacement endoscope parts can be more cost effective than purchasing new. Look for a company that offers warranties and comes highly recommended before you trust your equipment to them.

I recommend: Download a service repair form from H.M.B. Endoscopy Products or get real-time support online. Endoscope Repair specializes in small diameter endoscope repair. Endoscopy Support Services covers a wide variety of endoscope repair services. Guardian can repair Pentax and Olympus flexible endoscopes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider purchasing additional endoscope equipment or software that helps record and archive endoscope procedures for later review by yourself or referral colleagues. Technology is available to help you with telehealth presentation of the procedures, as well.