[Gastro-intestinal endoscopy - today and tomorrow (author's transl)].

Because of their optical and mechanical properties, glass fibers have fulfilled the requirements for a panendoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract. The upper digestive tract (as far as the lower knee of the duodenum) and the large intestine, including the terminal ileum can be examined routinely nowadays with minimal risk. Surgical diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy open up new possibilities, i. e. polypectomy, endoscopic biopsy, extraction of foreign bodies, papillotomy etc. The development of gastrointestinal endoscopy demands reorientation in training and teaching, in practice and in hospital.