PubMed2001
Gastrointestinal endoscopy comprises gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Endoscopic ultrasonography and small bowel enteroscopy are also available, although not in all endoscopy units. The diagnostic accuracy of gastrointestinal endoscopy is very high. Scientific activities include evaluation of methods/regimens where diagnostic gastroscopy can be replaced by non-invasive Helicobacter screening for certain patients, the use of non-invasive alternatives to ERCP (e.g. magnetic resonance), small bowel enteroscopy without the use of an endoscope, and virtual colonoscopy with computer tomography or magnetic resonance techniques. The move away from traditional endoscopic procedures towards more non-invasive techniques is taking place along with the development of new endoscopic procedures to replace traditional surgical techniques, e.g. endoscopic placement of colonic metal stents in acute colonic obstruction.
Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗