GI Investigation

Question 1

What are some of examples of beside GI investigations?

Answer 1

BMI
Pulse oximetry 
ECG
Capillary glucose
Urinalysis

Question 2

What are some common stool analysis tests?

Answer 2

Stool culture 
Faecal calprotectin (raised in inflammatory conditions)
Faecal elastase (useful in investigating pancreatic insufficiency)

Question 3

What are some common GI blood tests?

Answer 3

Urea and electrolytes 
Calcium/ magnesium 
Liver function tests
CRP
Thyroid function 
Full blood count 
Coagulation 
Haematinics
Hepatic screen 
Coeliac serology 
Tumour markers

Question 4

What are some useful GI physiology investigations and what can they be used for?

Answer 4

Breath testing- urea breath test for H.pylori, hydrogen breath test for bacterial overgrowth or for
lactose intolerance
Oesophageal pH and manometry- assessment for oesophageal dysmotility or reflux

Question 5

What parts of the GI tract can an upper GI endoscopy examine and what anaesthesia is usually given?

Answer 5

Examines the oesophagus to the duodenum

Can give sedation or local anaesthetic

Question 6

What else can be done with an upper GI endoscopy other than examination?

Answer 6

Can take biopsies

Can do oesophageal or pyloric stenting

Question 7

What are the risks of upper GI endoscopy?

Answer 7

Aspiration
Perforation
Haemorrhage

Question 8

What parts of the GI tract can be examined with a colonoscopy and what anaesthesia and preparation is required?

Answer 8

Rectum to the caecum/terminal ileum
Usually gives sedation
Requires bowel preparation (eg picolax)

Question 9

What else can be done with a colonoscopy other than examination?

Answer 9

Biopsy
Polypectomy
EMR

Question 10

What are the risks of a colonoscopy?

Answer 10

Perforation
Haemorrhage
Renal impairment from bowel preparation

Question 11

What does an ERCP visualise and what anaesthesia should be given?

Answer 11

Visualises the ampulla, biliary system and pancreatic ducts

Give sedation or general anaesthetic

Question 12

What else can be done in ERCP as well as examination, and what are the risks?

Answer 12

Can also do biospy, cytology, stone removal, stenting or dilatation
Risks are pancreatitis, haemorrhage, perforation, infection and mortality

Question 13

What is an endoscopic ultrasound used for?

Answer 13

Diagnosis and staging
Biopsy
Cyst drainage