Therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy: problems in proving efficacy

Article Abstract:

The introduction of the flexible endoscope in the 1970s revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of many gastrointestinal, biliary and pancreatic diseases. Endoscopy may replace conventional surgery in some cases, but it is unclear which treatment is preferable. Endoscopy is preferable to surgery for treatment of frail elderly patients with biliary and pancreatic diseases. Treatment of younger patients is more debatable. A research study examined the use of endoscopy to treat patients with acute cholangitis, or inflammation of a bile duct, caused by a bile duct stone. It found that 10% of patients treated with endoscopy died, compared with 32% of those who underwent surgery. Despite the findings of this study, the effectiveness of each type of treatment may vary depending on the skill of the doctor. The results of a study may also vary depending on the length of the follow-up time. The debate over which treatment is preferable can also be viewed as a conflict between gastroenterologists and surgeons. More cooperation between gastroenterologists and surgeons is needed to improve the quality of patient care.

Editorial, Cholangitis

---

Endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Article Abstract:

Very thin endoscopes can be used to diagnose and treat certain medical conditions without sedating the patient. Endoscopes are tubes that are inserted into the gastrointestinal tract to visualize the organs. The need to sedate patients causes endoscopy procedures to be very expensive for many reasons. Fiberoptic endoscopes are much thinner than regular endoscopes and can be used without anesthesia. These endoscopes can be used to diagnose and treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as other diseases and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

Analysis, Gastrointestinal diseases

---

Pancreatic and biliary endoscopy

Article Abstract:

Improvements in the design of endoscopes has enhanced their use to diagnose and treat diseases of the pancreas and biliary tract. Endoscopes are thin tubes that can be inserted into the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth or rectum. In this case, they are inserted into the mouth and esophagus and down into the stomach. An ultrasound probe can be attached to the end of the endoscope to provide images. Endoscopes can also be used to treat pancreatic and biliary tract diseases.

Pancreatic diseases, Endoscopes, Biliary tract diseases

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Gastric lavage in patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage: yea or nay? Gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage: the value of a nasogastric aspirate
• Abstracts: Burning feet: it's a common problem with many possible causes. Corns and calluses: how to treat your feet
• Abstracts: The clinical utility of the perinatal autopsy. Commentary on JFK autopsy articles
• Abstracts: PPOs, access, oversight among medical societies' concerns. How to prevent drug abuse in pregnancy. AIDS 'out of control,' will strike everywhere
• Abstracts: Learning about HIV. Women, sexuality and AIDS in Brazil. WHO on ...

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.