[Fiber endoscopy and radiology in stomach ulcer, stomach neoplasms and hiatal hernia: questions, timing and value].

In 306 patients, fiberpanendoscopy and radiology were performed within a time interval of 7 days or less. In 196 cases, radiology was performed before endoscopy and in 110 cases after endoscopy. In cases with histologically unproven divergent findings, follow-up studies were performed. In the diagnosis of gastric ulcer and gastric cancer, endoscopy with biopsy was more accurate than radiology. In the diagnosis of hiatal hernia, radiology was more accurate. Important additional findings difficult or impossible to observe with endoscopy were present in 36% of the radiological examinations. Thus, the first examination should be endoscopy when ulcer or carcinoma is suspected. In patients with uncharacteristic epigastric symptoms, radiology should be performed first.