[Endoscopy and biopsy of the esophagus]

Since glass fibre instruments are used, the number of oesophagoscopies very much increased. The complication rate is small. The oesophagus can be inspected without any gaps in all sections. Our knowledge on pathogenesis and distribution of certain diseases of the oesophagus has considerably been enlarged by modern biopsy and endoscopy. In the urgent clarification of acute causes of haemorrhage in the upper alimentary tract endoscopy stands in the first place compared with all other diagnostic methods. The interpretation of the findings in the oesophagus demands an experienced and critical examinator, as the bioptic particles frequently are very small.