Philipp Bozzini (1773–1809): The earliest description of endoscopy

Abstract

The widespread use of endoscopy in today's clinical arena underscores its utility and growing significance within the field of medicine. Primitive forms of endoscopy have existed for hundreds of years, but it was not until the early 19th century that Dr Philipp Bozzini invented an endoscope that would form the basis of modern endoscopy. Born into an influential Italian family, Bozzini practiced medicine in a time and place of conflict and political unrest. His passion, ingenuity, and important social connections allowed him to create and introduce to the medical profession the Lichtleiter (light-conductor), which overcame two key issues plaguing endoscopy: inadequate lighting and poor penetration. A combination of professional rivalry and his premature passing stifled enthusiasm and further work on the Lichtleiter, but its value would not be lost forever. The advancements in the field of endoscopy that have come since the time of the Lichtleiter all build upon the principles of Bozzini, who became widely acknowledged as the father of modern endoscopy.

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“…It gives physicians the ability to examine the entire colon and rectum of a patient and remove polyps at the same time [17]. The first rigid sigmoidoscope was available in 1805 (before the start of 1918 pandemic) to examine the last part of the colon for screening purposes [18]. Sigmoidoscope has also evolved and has been modernized [19,20].…”

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“…However, it is Dr. Phillip Bozzini who is credited as the founding father of modernday endoscopy. [9] In the early 19 th century, the Italian physician developed the "Lichtleiter" [ Figure 4]. It consisted of a wax candle held by springs fortified with a system of double aluminum tubes and mirrors to allow separate lighting and imaging.…”

“…[10] Other accounts report successful use by physicians in diagnosing pathologies including anal fistulas and vaginal canal lesions and that it was utilized in military hospitals after presentation to the Vienna-Joseph's Academy in 1805. [9] Bozzini's contribution was the first of its kind and paved the way for continual endoscopic improvements during the 19 th century. Similar endoscopes were designed to inspect the vagina, bladder, and urethra some 20 years later by both the French physician Segalas and the American physician Fisher.…”

“…Similar endoscopes were designed to inspect the vagina, bladder, and urethra some 20 years later by both the French physician Segalas and the American physician Fisher. [9] These devices afforded improvements in the light sources and optics of these primitive endoscopes.…”

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“…Although endoscopy can be traced back to ancient Greece, the Lichtleiter invented by Bozzini in 1805, is one of the earliest descriptions of endoscopy and established the basis of current endoscopy [1]. Further developments include the development of flexible endoscopes.…”