[Competence -- the way to surgical endoscopy].

INTRODUCTION

There is a continuing debate about competence for flexible endoscopy in regard to surgery.

STATEMENTS AND DISCUSSION

The theoretical and clinical basis of diagnostic/interventional endoscopy is analyzed; as a result it can be demonstrated that surgery offers ideal prerequisites for performing endoscopy due to specific training and clinical experience. There are specially designed and certified training systems for flexible endoscopy--analogous to approved training courses in minimal-invasive surgery. Relevant progress in interventional endoscopy in the past and present has been obtained by surgical endoscopies. Those involved in interdisciplinary disputes increasingly come to the conclusion that cooperation instead of confrontation should be the aim of all efforts, thus offering advantages to all participants of such a cooperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery should preserve and develop further its competence in flexible endoscopy.