ASGE Recognized Industry Associate (ARIA) Training Program OPEN | October 2026-Tools of the Gastroenterologist

Tools of the Gastroenterologist

Pdf Summary

This document introduces major tools and procedures used in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. It covers four main areas: upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), along with common accessories used during these procedures.<br /><br />Upper endoscopy, also called esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Common reasons for performing it include upper abdominal pain, reflux, dysphagia, iron deficiency anemia, bleeding, varices, foreign body removal, food impaction, and feeding tube placement. The presentation also reviews key anatomy such as the gastroesophageal junction and stomach/duodenal landmarks.<br /><br />Colonoscopy examines the colon and can also evaluate the terminal ileum. It requires bowel preparation with a liquid diet and laxatives. Indications include colorectal cancer screening and surveillance, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, anemia, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, and abnormal imaging. Therapeutic uses include polyp removal, bleeding control, reduction of volvulus, decompression of colonic ileus, and stent placement.<br /><br />The document then describes endoscopic accessories: biopsy forceps, polypectomy snares, retrieval baskets and nets, injection needles, hemoclips, electrocautery probes, argon plasma coagulation, and band ligation devices. These tools are used for biopsy, polyp removal, tissue or foreign body retrieval, injection therapy, hemostasis, and variceal treatment.<br /><br />ERCP combines endoscopy and x-rays to examine the bile ducts and pancreas. It is used for stone removal, stricture dilation, stent placement, and biopsy. EUS combines endoscopy with ultrasound, allowing detailed imaging of GI wall layers and nearby structures. It is used for cancer diagnosis and staging, fine needle aspiration, submucosal lesions, gallstones, and pancreatic pseudocyst drainage.<br /><br />Overall, the document provides an overview of key GI endoscopic procedures, anatomy, indications, and tools.

Keywords

gastrointestinal endoscopy

upper endoscopy

colonoscopy

ERCP

endoscopic ultrasound

biopsy forceps

polypectomy snare

hemostasis

stent placement

fine needle aspiration