Olympus 2012 Annual Report Download - page 44

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MEDICAL
BUSINESS
Olympus developed the world’s first practical gastrointestinal endoscope
in 1950, contributing greatly to the establishment of a method for the
early diagnosis of gastric cancer, the leading cause of death in Japan at
the time. Subsequently, we have worked diligently to perfect fiberscope
and videoscope technologies, and to develop a wide variety of detection
and treatment methods using endoscopes and endoscopic devices.
Today, the trend toward minimally invasive treatment is
revolutionizing the front lines of medical care. Whereas surgery for
gastric cancer and colon cancer previously required opening the
abdominal cavity, it is now possible to perform surgery by simply
making a small opening in the skin or eliminating the incision entirely
by performing the procedure endoscopically. These breakthroughs have
helped reduce the physical burden on patients and contributed to overall
improvements in the quality of life.
41.2%
Share of Net Sales
42 OLYMPUS 󱚈 Annual Report 2012