[Routine gastroscopy before cholecystectomy].

We are of the opinion that the investigation of the upper gastrointestinal tract must precede an elective cholecystectomy. In a prospective study the value of preoperative oesophagogastroduodenoscopy preceding elective cholecystectomy is considered. 589 gastroscopies were performed in our endoscopy unit on 960 patients coming to elective gallbladder surgery. Only in 56% of patients we detected no abnormalities. Our plan of therapy was changed in 113 patients (11.7%). 11 patients were discharged after conservative medical therapy (1.1%), in 31 cases simultaneous procedures were performed (3.2%). After additional medical treatment 71 patients came to elective cholecystectomy (7.4%).