Recent changes in gastrointestinal investigation in a university hospital.

There have been major advances over recent years in the endoscopic investigation of the gastrointestinal tract. The annual number of radiological and endoscopic procedures in a 700-bed university hospital over seven years has been reviewed. The average annual number of barium meal examinations decreased by 67%, while the number of gastroscopies increased by 36% over the same period. Similarly, colonoscopy rates increased and fewer barium enema examinations were performed. The procedural work-load of the Gastroenterology Unit has more than trebled over the seven years. These changes, together with other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, should decrease the need for surgery and reduce the length of stay in hospital.