[Complications of endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract].

An inquiry in FRG and Switzerland concerning complications in upper G.I. panendoscopy showed a total complication rate of 0.081% and a mortality of 0.007%. This complication rate is diminishing three to four times in comparison to publications ten years ago. The different kind of complications are discussed (perforations, complications of premedication respiratory and cardiovascular complications and infections). It is postulated that in future more attention is given to the problems of complications: treatment of perforations (conservative or surgical), oxygen saturation of blood and transmission of infectious disease, especially AIDS. The major complication is the diagnostic error.