Diagnostic investigations of GIT

Question 1

What is a gastrointestinal endoscopy

Answer 1

Direct method to examine and biopsy of the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract

Safe during pregnancy and extremes of ages

Need sedation

Question 2

What are the different endoscopic procedures

Answer 2

Upper GI endoscopy
Lower GI endoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Push enteroscopy
ERCP - endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram
EUS - Endoscopic ultrasound
Video capsule endoscopy

Question 3

What are the diagnostic indications for upper endoscopy

Answer 3

Dysphagia/odynophagia
Hematemesis
Melena stools
Unexplained anemia
Unexplained weight loss
Heartburn
Dyspepsia
Suspected malabsorption

Question 4

What are the therapeutic indications

Answer 4

Control of bleeding
Dilation of stricture
Removal of foreign bodies
Stent placement
Tumour ablation
Endoscopic mucosal resection
Removal of polyps
Band ligation of varices

Question 5

What are the contraindications for an endoscopy

Answer 5

Uncooperative patient
Hemodynamically unstable patient
Suspected perforation
Severe shock
Severe respiratory distress
Severe respiratory distress
Severe RA of cervical spine

Question 6

What are the diagnostic indications of a colonoscopy

Answer 6

Chronic diarrhoea
Rectal bleeding
Iron deficiency anemia
Unexplained abdominal pain
Changes in bowel habits
Unexplained weight loss
Family history of colon cancer
Screening

Question 7

What are the therapeutic indications for a colonoscopy

Answer 7

Control bleeding
Removal of polyps
Dilation of stricture
Tumour ablation
Colonic decompression
Reduction of sigmoid volvulus
Ligation of hemorrhoids

Question 8

What are the contraindications for a colonoscopy

Answer 8

Uncooperative patient
Hemodynamically unstable patient
Suspected perforation
Suspected diverticulitis
Suspected colonic obstruction
Soon after an MI

Question 9

What are the indications for an ERCP

Answer 9

Obstructive jaundice
Ascending Cholangitis
Gallstone pancreatitis
Unexplained jaundice or elevated LFTs
Bile duct injury or leak after cholescytectomy
Chronic pancreatitis
Pancreatic cancer
Suspected sphintor of oddi dysfunction

Question 10

What are the contraindications for capsule endoscopy

Answer 10

Known or suspected GI obstruction
Strictures or fistulas
Patients with swallowing disorders
Cardiac pacemakers or other implanted electromedical devices