Abstract: In an endoscope system including an endoscope having an insertion section and an operation section and a disposable protection cover having an insertion section cover having formed therein a forceps channel and a forceps inlet opening through which a forceps can be inserted into the forceps channel, the forceps inlet opening is selectively closed by a forceps plug which is made of resilient material and separately formed from the insertion section cover. The forceps plug is preferably formed such that it can be detachably secured to a forceps inlet opening of an ordinary coverless (without-cover} endoscope.

Abstract: A cover-fit endoscope can be used while being covered with a cover so that it is watertight. An appliance channel is extended through the cover and an appliance insertion inlet of the channel is open. This opening of the appliance insertion inlet is provided with an integral appliance plug. It is therefore possible to prevent the contaminated appliance plug from being fitted to the sterilized cover by mistake, and also to prevent leakage of the body fluids. Thus, the cover-fit endoscope is kept from contamination. The cover and the appliance plug are both discarded after use. The need for washing and disinfecting the cover-fit endoscope is eliminated, and use of the sterilized appliance plug is always ensured to reduce a fear of infection.

Abstract: An endoscope system for use in an endoscopic procedure including a plurality of endoscopes each having an insertion section to be inserted into a cavity under inspection and an operation section to which the insertion section is connected, and a plurality of disposable protection covers each having an insertion section cover for covering said insertion section of the endoscope and an operation section cover for covering said operation section of the endoscope. The operation section of the endoscope is provided with angle knobs for bending a distal end of the insertion section into a desired direction and said angle knobs are detachably secured to a shaft. In said operation section cover, there is formed an aperture through which said shaft is protruded from the operation section cover. All the angle knobs and shafts of all the endoscopes are constructed such that all the angle knobs can be detachably secured to any of the shafts.