Reflux oesophagitis was recorded in 399 (2.4 %) procedures, though with some inter-observer variation (see above). Hiatus hernia was recorded in 110 (0.7 %) and non-specific oesophagitis (presumably often reflux) in 532 (3.2 %). However, Barrett’s oesophagus was rare, with only 10 cases recorded. Stricture was found in 540 (3.2 %) patients. Gastric outlet obstruction was found in 314 (1.9 %). Over the last few years we have become increasingly aware that caustic ingestion (frequently parasuicide) is a common cause of oesophageal strictures and gastric outlet obstruction. These findings were infrequently recognised as due to caustic injury and often appear as unexplained. In 114 cases where caustic ingestion was recorded as the indication for endoscopy, oesophageal stricture was found in 41 (36 %) and gastric outlet obstruction in 36 (32 %).