[Video-endoscopy--a new step in diagnosis].

The first fiberoptic endoscope was introduced 30 years ago. It has since become an increasingly important diagnostic tool in the field of gastroenterology and pulmonary diseases. The advances in semiconductor technology have enabled the construction of video endoscopic systems. It is thereby possible to improve the optical performance and easily produce documents and hardcopies from graphic information. Computer aided endoscopy brings a new dimension of efficiency into clinical endoscopy routines and research.