[Endoscopy 2000].

The trends and developments in endoscopy of the coming years are many-sided. Improved fiber-optics and invention of computer technology lead to smaller endoscopes with higher resolution. Electronic image processing makes three dimensional measurement or presentation of objects possible. In endosonography a trend to miniaturization is also obvious. Advances in molecular biology and imaging procedures will strengthen the importance of endoscopy in the future. Moreover a differentiated use of new laser technologies will improve the possibilities of endoscopic diagnosis and therapy. The use of electronic diagnostic documentation systems will contribute to a standardized nomenclature and to a quality-improvement of documentation in the near future. The utilization of modern electronic communication systems will facilitate intra- and interdisciplinary exchange of information.