Fibreoptic endoscopy: does it have a role in the investigation of upper gastrointestinal disease in Papua New Guinea?

The first 150 fibreoptic examinations of the upper gastrointestinal tract performed in the North Solomons are reported. Sixty-one percent of examinations revealed a significant abnormality; this is a more efficient diagnostic yield than can be achieved with contrast radiology. This series confirms that fibreoptic endoscopy is the most efficient method of diagnosing upper gastrointestinal disease available in Papua New Guinea, and its more widespread use is advocated.