Oesophageal disease revealed by endoscopy in 1,000 patients referred primarily for gastroscopy

Of 1000 patients referred primarily for gastroscopy, almost 18% had endoscopic signs of clinically important oesophageal disease. Erosive oesophagitis, a disease that is notoriously difficult to diagnose on X-ray, was demonstrated in alsmot 10% and oesophageal varices in 3.6% of the patients. It is concluded that a thorough examination of the oesophagus should be included in every routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.