Overview of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Question 1

What are the indications for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Answer 1

All patients with upper abdominal symptoms that fulfil any of the following criteria
- Not responsive to emperic therapy
- Associated with ALARM symptoms
- New onset symptoms in a pt greater than 50years of age
- Treatment of UGI tract lesions
- Removal of foreign bodies
- Placement of feeding or drainage tubes
- Dilatation of strictures and placement of stents
- Removal of selected polyps
- Management of achalasia

Question 2

What are the relative Contra-indications for gastrointestinal endoscopy

Answer 2

Patients who cannot tolerate moderate sedation
Haemodynamic instability
Complete obstruction if dilatation is not amenable
Patients with bleeding tendency and coagulopathy

Question 3

What special considerations for gastrointestinal endoscopy should be considered

Answer 3

Anatomic consideration such as small mouth
Allergies to medications
Co-morbid medical problems
Haemodynamic status of the patient
Diet and fasting state of patient

Question 4

How is gastrointestinal endoscopy done

Answer 4

Oral intubation
Oropharyngeal examination
Esophageal examination
Esophago-gastric junction examination
Gastric examination
Traversing the pylorus
Duodenal examination
Tissue sampling
Therapeutic manoeuvres