Abstract
Shock due to medication, hemorrhage and perforation are well-known complications of EGD. However, other complications have not been analyzed fully. We therefore carried out a systematic review of the English literature. Using the Medline database, papers pertaining to rare complications of EGD published between 1990 and 2009 were collected. From these papers, the first author, year of publication, patient’s age, sex, diagnosis of complication, diagnostic and treatment methods, prognosis and other details were extracted. Among the rare complications reported were duodenal hemorrhage, air embolism, pneumothorax, incarceration of the endoscope, and sepsis. There were death cases due to duodenal hematoma, air embolism, and so on. Because there are complications that need prompt treatment, such as tension pneumothorax, all endoscopists should have knowledge of these complications.
