An ounce of prevention. Toward preventing gastrointestinal endoscopic complications

This preventive or preemptive approach to endoscopic complications is based on the premise that the knowledgeable and prepared physician can ensure that the procedure is performed under optimal conditions and results in maximal patient safety. It is obvious that a directed patient history is one of the keys to this preventive approach. This information is only a primer and requires continuous updating to improve patient outcomes.