[Gastroscopy -- a routine procedure in the investigation of diseases of the stomach (author's transl)]

Abstract

After a short review of the development of endoscopic investigations, the technique of gastroscopy is described and the indications for this procedure are pointed out. This procedure is of equal importance as radio-diagnostic measures in the routine investigation of stomach diseases and is of particular value when used as an emergency procedure and in the follow-up of patients after gastric operations. It also offers great advantages in the diagnosis of stomach tumours since biopsy material can be obtained from the lesion. Stomach haemorrhage due to gastric erosion, oesophagitis and the Mallory-Weiss syndrome are best diagnosed by gastroscopy. There are practically no contraindications to gastroscopy. The only precluding factor being an uncooperative patient. It is not contraindicated in patients with oesophageal varices or deformity of the spinal column. Complications are very rare. In the case of emergency gastrocscopy, shock must be counteracted and the blood pressure normalized before the investigation can be performed.