[Recognition and management of perforation of the gastro-intestinal tract during endoscopy (author's transl)].

In the course of 71/2 years there occurred 37 cases of perforation of the gastro-intestinal tract after endoscopic investigation or operation in the abdominal region. Analysis of the therapeutic results indicates that immediate laparotomy in case of confirmed perforation provides the best survival chance. In individual cases with pneumoperitoneum and no symptoms careful supervision in a surgical intensive care unit before surgical intervention can be justified.