ASGE Recognized Industry Associate (ARIA) Training Program OPEN | April 2022-Tools of the Gastroenterologist: Introduction to GI Endoscopy

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This document provides an introduction to GI endoscopy and the tools used by gastroenterologists. <br /><br />Upper GI endoscopes and colonoscopes have the same dials for controlling the scope tip direction. <br /><br />Upper GI endoscopes can be used in the lower GI tract, and colonoscopies can be used in the upper GI tract. <br /><br />Most GI endoscopes use optical fibers to carry light and images to the image processor and monitor. <br /><br />The objectives of GI endoscopy include general GI examination, upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, basic accessories and tools, interventional GI procedures such as ERCP and EUS. <br /><br />Upper endoscopy involves the examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It is used to diagnose conditions such as abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease, dysphagia, and bleeding. <br /><br />Colonoscopy is used for the examination of the colon and can also evaluate the terminal ileum. It is used for screening and surveillance of colorectal cancer as well as diagnosing abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding, and inflammatory bowel disease. <br /><br />Various accessories and tools are used during endoscopy, including biopsy forceps for obtaining tissue samples, polypectomy snares for removing large polyps, retrieval baskets and nets for picking up and removing objects, injection needles for injecting medication or dye, clips for hemostasis, electrocautery probes for treating superficial bleeding lesions, and band ligators for banding of esophageal varices. <br /><br />ERCP is an endoscopic procedure used for the examination of the bile ducts and pancreas. It involves the use of x-rays and is used for conditions such as gallstone disease, stricture dilation, stent placement, and biopsy of mucosa. <br /><br />EUS combines endoscopy with ultrasound capability and can be used for staging of cancer, fine needle aspiration of tissue and cysts, evaluation of submucosal lesions, gallstone disease, and drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts. <br /><br />This document provides a brief overview of the tools and procedures involved in GI endoscopy.

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William Tierney, MD, FASGE

Keywords

GI endoscopy

gastroenterologists

upper GI endoscopes

colonoscopes

upper endoscopy

colonoscopy

basic accessories

ERCP

EUS

tools