Endoscopy - contd.
The prognosis depends upon the diagnosis determined by the procedure. Serious complications related to endoscopy itself are rare. Anesthetic complications can occur, but these are also relatively uncommon.
Patients with a high likelihood of complications, and those that are extremely unstable should not undergo endoscopy unless it is felt that the procedure is necessary for therapeutic intervention. If portions of the gastrointestinal tract are especially devitalized due to injury or disease, rupture can occur once they are distended with air. Large ulcer craters can be perforated at the time of endoscopy, and this can lead to peritonitis.
