After finding her participation in endoscopy procedures limited, the author set out to provide a source for technicians to learn the use and care of the endoscope, so as to better assist the veterinarian and provide a more effective use of the veterinarian’s time.

This book delves into the care and maintenance of the endoscope, cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and otherwise making it available for the next use.

The book begins with a description of both flexible and rigid endoscopes, how they work, how they are used, and how to assemble them. There is a chart on troubleshooting that should prove to be valuable to the technician. Likewise, there is a chart on how to clean the equipment, step by step, so nothing is missed.

The following chapter is on the use of anesthetics; designing a protocol, goals of premedication and sedation. This may be more the area of the veterinarian, depending on where you are located. This is followed by monitoring processes for the anesthetized patient, anesthetic types and protocols.

There are a series of photos of endoscopic views to give the technician an idea of what the veterinarians seeing through the scope. The technician will likely not be using the scope on an animal, but knowing what is in there will help the tech visualize the procedure.

There are photos showing positioning of the patient for various procedures. Setup and necessary tools are explained for the various body parts; airways and nasal passages, esophagus, GI exam, rectal or vaginal exam, and the tools that should be ready for use. Laparoscopies and thoracoscopies are explained and illustrated. Sample collection and retrieval of samples and foreign objects are also shown in photos and explained. The various tools are shown for retrievals and sampling. The use of a camera is also included here and record-keeping is explained.

Charts are prepared to assist the technician in preparation for a procedure, explaining the order that tools are needed so they can be ready for the surgeon.

The ideal set up for these procedures is listed and illustrated. Not all surgical suites will have all of the necessary tools, but having prepared the available tools should make the procedure flow smoothly.

This book will be a valuable asset for the technician and greatly enhance the skills needed for the job.

Publisher: Wiley Blackwell, 2016. Soft cover, 216 pages, color and B&W illustrations.

ISBN: 9781118434451