[Gastroscopy before cholecystectomy].

In a prospective study the routine endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract was carried out in 100 patients before they underwent elective cholecystectomy for gallstones. In 31/100 patients we detected abnormalities which changed the plan of therapy. In 18/100 patients the cholecystectomy was performed 4 to 8 weeks later, after additional medical treatment. 7 patients were discharged from the cholecystectomy. The preoperative endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract should be used in patients undergoing cholecystectomy to exclude other gastrointestinal disorders.