[Value and perspectives of endoscopic brush cytology in gastric lesions (author's transl)].

The techniques for cell collection are well established. Cells in good quality and sufficient quantities are obtained. The preparation of the sediment depends on the microscopic techniques to be used. The cytological tumor criteria are well established. The diagnostic efficiency is more than 90% of cases with proved malignancies. In comparison with the endoscopic biopsy the brush cytology has the following advantages: A stenosis can be reached by the brush much easier than by the forceps. The tumor detection is improved by cytology under optimal conditions for 10% of the cases. Quantitative microscopic techniques can be adapted. The most important perspective for a further improvement of gastric cytology lies in the development of methods for automation in tumor cell recognition. The present status of such techniques is presented.