Complications And Hazards Of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Abstract

Several general and specific rules can help to minimize complications and hazards of gastrointestinal endoscopy: routine, careful pre-endoscopic patient assessment; adequate premedication, depending upon the patient’s physical status and emotional condition; observation of the patient during the entire endoscopic procedure; and adherence to recognized guidelines for diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic interventions. The necessary equipment to cope with specific endoscopic complications and hazards should be readily available in or near the endoscopy suite – and the operating staff should be well trained in its use.