Summary
60 gastroscopists reported their experience during 22,351 gastroscopies. In this series there was one death which probably has to be attributed to the use of the gastroscope. Thus the fatality of gastroscopy is 0.004 per cent, or practically nil.
Eight perforations of the stomach, and one perforation of the jejunum in a resected stomach, have been observed. All patients recovered either after conservative treatment or after surgical interference.
Other complications have been mentioned, and the toxicity of pontocaine for the anesthesia in gastroscopy has been discussed.
I want to thank all colleagues whose extensive, detailed reports made this survey possible.
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References
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Schindler, R. Results of the questionnaire on fatalities in gastroscopy. Jour. D. D. 7, 293–295 (1940). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02997327
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02997327