An insertable stiffener for use with an endoscope having an instrument channel extending along a predetermined distance between an instrument channel port and a forward end of the endoscope, the insertable stiffener having a cap and an elongate stiffener element of length less than the predetermined distance, mounted onto the cap, whereby upon full insertion of the elongate stiffener element in the instrument channel, the cap abuts the instrument channel port and a forward end of the elongate stiffener lies inside the instrument channel at a location rearwardly spaced from the forward end of the endoscope.
