gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: Rigid and flexible bronchoscopy and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy are important diagnostic and therapeutic tools in ENT. The use of flexible upper gastrointestinal endoscopy allows simultaneous percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement.

Methods: Based on a study conducted in 1998, an anonymous questionnaire was developed by the AG-Endoskopie to determine current trends in the use of bronchoscopy and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Questionnaires were sent to 165 different ENT institutions in Germany.

Results: 57 questionnaires were evaluated. 4294 rigid and 3965 flexible bronchoscopies were performed as well as 8897 rigid and 2211 flexible upper gastrointestianl endoscopies. These results are shown according to size of/number of beds in the performing institutions. Foreign body removals and PEG placements were analyzed as well and compared with previous studies.

Conclusion: The survey shows that the total number of procedures performed is comparable to the number performed in 1998. There is, however, a considerable increase in the number of flexible procedures performed, especially in upper gastrointestinal endoscopies. It is commendable that all 57 institutions provide PEG´s for their patients. However, only about 1/5 the needed tubes are placed by the treating ENT, despite the fact that panendoscopies provide an ideal setting for the performance of this procedure. An improvement of this situation would be desirable.