Out-patient gastroscopy risks.

Complications in out-patient gastroscopy were evaluated retrospectively in 995 examinations performed in 625 patients. At the examination seven complications were registered in the gastroscopy record. Two complications: perforation of the stomach and cardiac arrhythmia, required hospitalisation. None of the complications was lethal. Inquiries to the referring general practitioners revealed 5 cases where the gastroscopy had led to consultations because of minor complaints after the examination. Considering all complaints as complications the frequency of complications in out-patient gastroscopy was 1.2%.