In the last twenty years the basic gastro-intestinal diagnostic procedures have had to record increasing losses. This is why the study of these examinations had becoming more and more endangered. From our experience and from literature review the question arises whether now or in future we can manage without the basic gastrointestinal diagnostic procedures. The answer is that both for efficiency and for costs the continuation of these procedures does not appear acceptable. The preservation of the X-ray techniques of examination should be object of discussion and agreement between radiologists, clinicians, endoscopists, and economically experienced professionals in administration. In order to meet the needs for urgent economic measures in hospitals, the increased use of investigation with water-soluble contrast media seems unavoidable. Therefore the examination techniques should be adjusted and optimised as described.