[Indications for and dangers of methods for gastroenterological endoscopy]

The value of modern fiberoptic endoscopy is discussed by comparing negative and positive aspects of both radiology and endoscopy. A detailed analysis is provided of the complications observed in 16,477 invasive gastrointestinal investigations performed over the last 11 1/2 years in our unit. The morbidity was 0.1% in 5886 large bowel examinations and 0.2% in esophago-gastroduodenoscopy and in all 2871 investigations involving invasive liver-pancreas diagnostics. The overall mortality was 0.06%. It is emphasized that in invasive gastrointestinal examinations elderly and debilitated patients are at risk, whereas the danger is minimal for patients in reasonable health.