PREOPERATIVE ENDOSCOPIC ASSESSMENT IN GASTROINTESTINAL SURGERY. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CLINICAL ROLES, RISKS, AND OPTIMIZATION STRATEGIES.

The review provides evidence that, while endoscopy provides the gold standard for assessment of mucosa, and the histopathological confirmation of malignancy, optimum performance of endoscopy exists through collaboration of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) for the use of protocols. The review provides a thorough framework for clinicians in the effort to optimize preoperative workup so that endoscopic findings are optimally interpreted into actionable and exact surgical management.