A survey of gastrointestinal endoscopic complications encountered between 1996 and 2000 was conducted at the 31 hospitals in one area. The contents of the survey were as follows; a) total number of gastrointestinal endoscopy performed during those 5 years, b) complications of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, c) complications of colonoscopy, d) complications of cholangiopancreatic endoscopy (ERCP, EST, etc.), e) complications of endoscopic ultrasonography, f) complications of laparoscopy, and g) complications of premedication for endoscopy. The total number of gastrointestinal endoscopy was 397, 876; 283, 489 of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 92, 685 of colonoscopy, 15, 725 of cholangiopancreatic endoscopy, 5, 586 of endoscopic ultrasonography, and 391 of laparoscopy. The complication rates were 0.010, 0.058, 0.25, 0, and 0.25% respectively and that of premedication was 0.002%. There were 8 deaths (0.002%) and the average age of those patients was 67.1. In this survey, the complication rate of cholangiopancreatic endoscopy was high. Measures for prevention of endoscopic complications include a through understanding of the characteristics of each endoscopic examination and treatment. Furthermore, the selection of examinations other than endoscopy is sometimes more appropriate. In endoscopy for elderly persons, prudent manipulation is very important.
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