Fatal outcomes of endoscopy: an analysis from the coroner's point of view.

 This study was designed to provide a profound analysis of fatalities associated with endoscopic procedures.  Protocols of all autopsies performed within 20 years in a large Department of Forensic Medicine were retrospectively analyzed to identify all fatalities directly related to an endoscopic procedure. Data were further specified focusing on the type of endoscopy and the final cause of death.