Recent developments in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Abstract

Endoscopic findings can be extremely valuable in directing or altering specific treatment. Endoscopy also has therapeutic applications, such as removal of polyps (gastric or colonic), coagulation of bleeding sites in cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and the removal of foreign objects from the gastrointestinal tract. Laparoscopy is an easily performed procedure with minimal risk. On of its greatest values is in investigating diseases of the liver. Coloscopy has many uses, including evaluation of equivocal x-ray findings and histologic confirmation of cancer. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a new, highly sophisticated procedure that offers a major advantage in investigating pancreatic disease and evaluating jaundice.