Endoscopy and associated sampling techniques in the diagnosis and surveillance of gastric ulcer.

In the present report we have analyzed data reported in literature on the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy and associated sampling techniques compared to standard and double contrast radiological examinations, as well as the rate of malignant transformation of benign gastric ulcer. Data on 117 patients with benign gastric ulcer examined in our Center between 1974 and 1984 are reported. From our experience, we may state that only one case underwent to malignant transformation, i.e. a rate of 1.2%, in agreement with recent literature. Three cases of malignant-ulcer had gone undiagnosed at first endoscopy, but were correctly diagnosed at a short-term re-examination. The present study, other than reconfirming the importance of the endoscopic examination with associated techniques, stresses the importance of aimed cytology and of short-term endoscopic re-examination as a mean for lowering the rate of false negative diagnoses.