Endoscopy is a fast moving field, and new techniques are constantly emerging. Gastrointestinal endoscopy has a central role in the evaluation of gastrointestinal complaints and in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal diseases. It is a very safe procedure in the general population as demonstrated by numerous studies. Several data provide a better understanding of pathogenic mechanisms. In recent decades, gastrointestinal endoscopy has evolved and branched out from a visual diagnostic modality to impressive interventional capabilities. Some new endoscopic techni‐ ques will be too complex or expensive to make the leap into general gastroenterology practice, others.
