Publisher's Synopsis
What at the beginning of the last century started as a struggle to develop new devices for the endoluminal exploration of the digestive system has resulted in unexpected achievements in the field of advanced high-tech endoscopy such as interventional endoscopy and refinements in diagnostic resolution. This publication reviews some of the established major progress which has recently been made with regard to diagnostic and interventional endoscopy, including methods that are currently becoming part of today's clinical management. A critical evaluation of these methods is, however, mandatory as the enthusiasm for new technologies may result in their being introduced precipitately, without thorough prior evaluation in the form of adequate clinical trials: only with the help of such studies can individual applications be optimized. Last but not least, the importance of parallel instruments such as a self-administered symptom questionnaire to assess subjective manifestations and needs is stressed. This critical update on some of the latest issues in diagnostic and interventional endoscopy presents a valuable source of information for those working in clinical practice.
