New methods in gastroenterology.

Major advances in gastroenterology are due in part to the rapid development of fiberendoscopes. Originally intended to improve gastroenterological diagnostics, the field of application was broadened by a variety of therapeutic procedures which now concur with the corresponding surgical approach. Endoscopic electro- and photocoagulation has considerably improved the outcome of acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage: endoscopic polypectomy is the procedure of choice today in benign and occasionally in malignant bowel tumors.