Abstract
Technical refinements in the fiberoptic viewing systems that use a cold light source have greatly expanded the endoscopist's diagnostic capabilities and the clinical use of peritoneal and gastrointestinal endoscopy. The capabilities and limitations of the procedures have been clarified. Professional societies, hospital staffs, and physicians are now wrestling with the relevant and important issue of what professional qualifications individuals must have to perform endoscopy. Widespread use of these instruments by inadequately trained individuals will predictably result in an inappropriate rate of complications.-AR
