Emergency gastrointestinal endoscopy and endoscopy for the emergency department.

Endoscopic procedures usually are not performed in the Emergency Department. However, on some occasions, it is essential that trained emergency physicians be able to perform endoscopic examinations. All physicians working in the Emergency Department should have an understanding of the role of endoscopy in the evaluation and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, since in some cases, for example, those of massive upper and lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, foreign body extraction, or functional and obstructive disorders of the colon, endoscopic procedures may be required on an emergency basis.