| 摘要 |
<p>An insertion unit 2 of an endoscope 1 includes a distal section 8, a bending section 9 that can bend freely, and a soft section 10 having flexibility in that order from the distal end thereof. The soft section 10 has as the distal part thereof a small-diameter portion 10a, a large-diameter portion 10b, and a tapered portion 10c linking the small-diameter portion 10a and large-diameter portion 10b. At least part of the tapered portion 10c is located ahead of a point that is 70 cm away from the distal endoscope end. When the insertion unit 2 is inserted into the large intestine, if the distal section 8 is moved the shortest distance to the cecum, the distance from the anus to the distal section 8 is known to generally range from approximately 60 cm to approximately 70 cm. Therefore, at least part of the tapered portion 10c is located at a position that is 70 cm or less from the distal endoscope end, whereby excellent insertion efficiency is ensured.</p> |
