Problems of gastrointestinal endoscopy in Italy.

The authors discuss some aspects of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Italy emphasizing, in accordance with other countries, the importance of preventing the separation of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Gastroenterology. An endoscopist should be a gastroenterologist capable of clinically assessing endoscopic results and not just an individual providing a technical service. In a hospital organization, excessive diffusion of the method in small hospitals should be avoided and the more complex techniques should be concentrated in the Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Departments in order to guarantee the quality of care and patient safety. Great attention must be given to the training of endoscopists and an adequate preparation of the nursing staff in also important.