Risks of Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and Esophageal Dilation

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy generally is considered to be a safe and useful procedure in the evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms and in the treatment of a wide range of conditions. Complications have been known to occur, particularly in the past with older equipment and limited experience, but in the present era, complications are largely associated with therapeutic interventions. The most frequent complications include those resulting from passage of the endoscope or therapeutic instruments, cardiac or respiratory complications related to the patients underlying comorbidities, and adverse effects of anesthesia. Esophageal dilation is one of the endoscopic procedures associated with the highest rate of complications and so will be discussed separately. Patients at greatest risk, such as those with achalasia and long, irregular, malignant strictures, should be approached with caution.