[Fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy in the gastroenterology institute (experience in 8,000 cases)]

The results of 8,000 fiber-optic endoscopic procedures performed at the Gastrenterologic Institut during a 5 year period are analyzed in this paper. This extensive was possible not only because the method is simple and innocous due to the flexibility and high technology of these apparatue, but also because the Cuban Public Health System made feasible the exploration without expenses for all the patients needing it. Thirty-two percent of the explorations in an ever greater scale in the search for gastric cancer in its early stages. Chronic inflammation of the upper digestive tract comprised 47% of the abnormal endoscopies. Peptic ulcers were found in 18% of the 3.979 positive gastroduodenoscopies. Esophagogastric cancer was found in 14% of the 4.888 pathologic esophagastroscopies. The results reported and the low morbidity encountered (only 2 significant accidents in over 8,000 procedures) have motivated the Ministry to use this method in all first class hospitals and in several second class ones throughout the country.