The electronic video endoscope: clinical experience with 1200 diagnostic and therapeutic cases in the community hospital.

Gastrointestinal endoscopic examinations with the Welch-Allyn and Fujinon electronic video endoscopes were evaluated in four phases in our community hospital endoscopy unit. Resolution and clinical comparisons to fiberoptic instruments offered advantages for the electronic systems. A review of 1200 consecutive procedures for efficacy, safety, and maintenance considerations was conducted. The use of the video endoscopes as first choice for nearly all diagnostic and therapeutic procedures was more favorable than for the ongoing experience with fiberoptic instruments.