Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a standard technique that provides direct visualization of the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus through the stomach
Appropriate Indications for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (UGE)
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Uncomplicated dyspepsia
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Frequent symptoms (≥ 2/wk) suggesting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or history of reflux-associated mucosal disease of the esophagus, without alarm symptoms and without Barrett’s esophagus
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Known Barrett’s esophagus, without alarm symptoms
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Atypical chest pain
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Alarm symptoms: recent upper GI bleeding, esophageal dysphagia, unexplained weight loss, iron deficiency anemia
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Risk factors and pre-malignant conditions of the UGI tract: pernicious anemia, atrophic gastritis, status post-gastrectomy, gastric polyps, familial adenomatous polyposis
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Miscellaneous indications: assess healing of benign gastric ulcer, follow-up of sclerotherapy/banding, suspected malignant lesion on UGI series, suspected malabsorption syndrome
References:
- Kaliszan B, Soule JC, Vallot T, Mignon M. Applicability and efficacy of qualifying criteria for an appropriate use of diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 2006 May;30(5):673-80. [Medline]
- Axon AT, Bell GD, Jones RH, Quine MA, McCloy RF. Guidelines on appropriate indications for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Working Party of the Joint Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of London, Royal College of Surgeons of England, Royal College of Anaesthetists, Association of Surgeons, the British Society of Gastroenterology, and the Thoracic Society of Great Britain. BMJ. 1995 Apr 1;310(6983):853-6. [Medline]
Created: May 27, 2007