[Complications of routine digestive endoscopy]

The complications of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy have become very rare, due to technical advances but also the use of good practices by all gastroenterologists. The overall rate of complications is 1 percent per year for more than 2 millions of lower and upper GI endoscopies, all indications included. The most common complication, though with a frequency inferior to 1/1,000 per year, is still perforation during colonoscopy, most often induced by a fragile intestine or a healing abdomen. Other complications are often the consequence of diathesis or comorbidities, especially if this procedure is performed under anesthesia. Thus in patients with severe cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, or simply depending on the age of patients, risks should be carefully assessed so that the endoscopic procedure can be adapted or even postponed. Being aware of and especially taking into account any risk factor before performing a diagnostic endoscopic examination should thus allow gastroenterologists to avoid complications.