Therapeutic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Past, present, and future.

Therapeutic procedures in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy are usually performed with the patient under sedation, and there is a clear advantage with video endoscopy. The endoscopy assistant needs full training on the appropriate and safe use of equipment and accessories. Complications of procedures should be detected early and managed appropriately. Indications, results, and perspectives of endoscopic procedures are reviewed for the following situations: gastrointestinal bleeding, caustic injury, foreign bodies, advanced and superficial cancer, dysplasia, reflux esophagitis, motility disorders, and nutritional assistance. Consolidation of current methods and systematic evaluation of the results of therapeutic endoscopy are important tasks for the near future.