[How frequent is the diagnosis of GI metastasis in an endoscopic patient sample in general internal medicine clinics> Results of a questionnaire survey of 34 medical clinics].

With the aim of analysing the frequency of gastrointestinal (GI) metastases identified by endoscopic procedures, a survey was conducted by questionnaire, which was completed by 34 of 127 medical departments. Peritoneal carcinosis and direct tumor extension were disregarded. One GI metastasis (duodenum) was verified among 3477 upper GI tract endoscopies. Primary site was cutaneous melanoma. In another case metastatic origin is discussed (esophagus). Considering the average frequency of 102 upper GI tract endoscopies performed by the collaborating centers, one case of gastroduodenal metastasis could be expected every 17 (34) months in these institutions. 1634 examinations of the colon and rectum did not reveal any metastatic tumor growth. A longterm study is planned to provide further statistically reliable prevalence data.