THE IMPORTANCE OF PERMANENT DOCUMENTATION OF ENDOSCOPIC FINDINGS

Establishing objective, lasting records of endoscopic procedures is not only desirable but necessary. The physician has an opportunity to review any unusual findings. The results can be studied in concert with associates for an unlimited period of time without further demands on the patient. A lesion that may have been overlooked during the examination can be discovered during subsequent reviews of a videotape that documents pathology. A file of endoscopic slides has become invaluable for teaching both postgraduates and undergraduates. Electronic prints made during the procedure can be inserted into the patient's records and also relayed to the referring physician for his or her files. A permanent record, either prints or videotape, is especially valuable during the follow-up period for objective comparison of a lesion's progress or regression.