Improving Quality and Safety in the Endoscopy Unit (Virtual) | November 2025-Defining and Measuring Quality in Upper GI Endoscopy

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker discusses quality standards for upper endoscopy (EGD), emphasizing the need to apply rigorous quality indicators akin to colonoscopy. Approximately 7.5 million EGDs are performed annually in the US, and maintaining high-quality procedures improves diagnosis, therapy, and patient safety. The ASGE and ACG released updated guidelines including pre-, intra-, and post-procedure quality measures. Pre-procedure focuses on appropriate indications and timely EGDs for upper GI bleeding. Intra-procedure metrics prioritize photodocumentation of key anatomical sites, systematic biopsies (notably for eosinophilic esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and celiac disease), classification of esophagitis, and treatment of bleeding ulcers with documented stigmata. Post-procedure standards include repeat EGD after severe esophagitis, acid suppression protocols, appropriate surveillance intervals for Barrett’s, and eradication of intestinal metaplasia and H. pylori. The speaker encourages dissemination of these guidelines within endoscopy units for shared understanding, performance tracking, and improvement.

Asset Subtitle

Brian Jacobson, MD, MPH, FASGE

Keywords

upper endoscopy

quality standards

ASGE guidelines

biopsies

Barrett’s esophagus