Endoscopy and biopsy

Question 1

What are the diagnostic indications for a upper GI endoscopy

Answer 1

Haematemesis/melaena 
Dysphagia
Dyspepsia (younger than 55 years old + alarm symptoms or treatment refactory)
Duodenal biopsy - coeliac
Persistent vomiting
Iron deficiency (cancer)

Question 2

What are the therapeutic indications for upper GI endoscopy

Answer 2

Treatment of bleeding lesions
Variceal bleeding and sclerotherapathy
Argon plasma coagulation for suspected vascular abnormality 
Stent insertion, laser therapy
Stricture dilation, polyp resection

Question 3

What are the diagnostic indications for colonoscopy

Answer 3

Rectal bleeding when it has settled if acute
Iron deficiency anaemia (bleeding cancer)
Persistent diarrhoea
Positive faecal occult blood test
Assessment or suspicion of IBD
Colon cancer surveillance

Question 4

What are the therapeutic indications for a colonoscopy

Answer 4

Heamostasis (by clipping a vessel)
Leading angiodysplasia lesion (argon beamer photocoagulation)
Colonic stent deployment (cancer)
Volvulus decompression (FLexi sig)
Pseudo obstruction
Polyp ectomy