Upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy

Abstract

Upper intestinal fibre optic endoscopy was developed as a means of diagnosis by direct inspection and sampling.'-3 This remains its main role which may be extended by the introduction of radioopaque dye into the biliary and pancreatic ducts. Therapeutically, foreign bodies may be extracted, strictures dilated, polyps removed, and sclerotherapy or thermocoagulation undertaken. It is possible to examine a larger area than is possible with rigid endoscopy and it is safer. The regular use of endoscopy to investigate children is relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom, although well established in the rest of Europe and North America.40 It is more expensive than radiology, but is more accurate-a barium meal offers 67% accuracy compared with 95% with flexible endoscopy." 1-2 There are cost savings in its therapeutic role compared with conventional surgery. We describe our experience based on an endoscopy service established in 1978.