Information and Communication Systems in Endoscopy Units at Departments for Gastroenterology and Abdominal Surgery

Technical systems for endoscopy diagnostics are suitable for application of computer technology. Endoscopic methods can make use of hardware-software packages for the digitalization of images, after which it is possible to store and subsequently analyze, as well as transfer pictures to the local information and communication systems. After installation of these packages follow up of the examination is on the computer monitor, and the examination of patient receives the additional quality and speed. Endoscopic methods enable provision of following functions: Entering basic demographic data about patients, Following use of material, invoice production, etc. Recording video in real time, Review of existing material, image analysis, sequences, Image processing and printing preparation, Creation of own interface, or appearance of doctor’s reports, Data back-up from the software, recording on CD or DVD media,Conversion into any format and recording of data directly on CD or DVD, Easy access to previous patients examinations, Statistical data analysis. analysis and interpretation as basis for writing scientific and professional articles, Networking possibilities with other users. Special advantages for users of these methods are: Safer work for doctors and patients, Application of teleeducation system in process of knowledge transfer to the large number of participants (video conferences, workshops with transfer of “live” image and immediate analysis and comments) Functional dynamic analysis, Possibility for additional consultation or teleconsultation with other experts, Possibility to send image on distance using internet. Imaging views from endoscope, radiological (CT, MRI) or ultrasound obtained during the examination of the patients can be stored on appropriate media. In radiology and gastroenterology used are Pacs / Ris (System for archiving and communicating through images/ Radiology information system) systems. It is a system for work with images, and their purpose is to exclude use of films and start digital data processing. With this project, it is possible to transfer complete series of recordings with modalities such as CT, MRI, and diascopy, endoscopy ultrasound, to a system for archiving and communications, and after that all doctors who are in the network can view the images, give their opinions and seek the opinions of colleagues. This kind of software allows the processing and postprocesing (analysis) of recordings with the help of appropriate tools–zoom, filtering, invert, three-dimensional reconstruction, etc., all with the goal of more accurate diagnosis when viewing recordings. Such analysis is particularly important in the preparation or during the surgeries, and three-dimensional reconstruction of the liver is particularly important in preparation for transplantation. Network access is possible from any networked computer. With this software it is possible to seek via Internet the opinion of radiologists or gastroenterologist from