An evaluation of the gastroduodenal fibrescope.

One hundred and sixty patients have been examined with the flexible gastroduodenoscope. Passage of this instrument is easier than of the conventional gastroscope, and the stomach can be examined down to the pyloric canal and pylorus. Duodenoscopy is sometimes possible but some modification is required in order to guarantee success. Examination of a gastrojejunal stoma is practically always possible and is superior to that obtained with the gastroscope. The fibrescope can be used in patients with haematemesis within a few hours of their admission to hospital, and with it definitive early diagnosis is possible in two out of three patients.