Masterclass: EndoQuest - Endoscopy in the GI Unit (On-demand) | September 2025-Endoscopy Essentials: GI Anatomy and Pathology for Nurses and Technicians

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The document "Endoscopy Essentials: GI Anatomy and Pathology for Nurses and Technicians" by Dr. G. S. Raju provides an extensive overview of gastrointestinal (GI) anatomy and pathology with an emphasis on endoscopic diagnosis and management. It covers the entire GI tract from the oral cavity to the anal canal, highlighting key anatomical landmarks.<br /><br />For the esophagus, Dr. Raju discusses heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and anti-reflux mechanisms. Endoscopic findings of GERD, including the presence of hiatal hernia and erosive esophagitis graded by the Los Angeles (LA) system, are detailed. Barrett’s esophagus is described with relevant measurement protocols.<br /><br />Regarding gastric pathology, the text covers stomach anatomy—cardia, fundus, body, pylorus—and the standard Sydney protocol for systematic gastric biopsies. Common conditions such as dyspepsia, gastritis, peptic ulcers, and malignant ulcers are presented alongside endoscopic images. Special conditions like gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) and fundic gland polyps are addressed. Concepts of normal gastric function, digestion, and gastroparesis are also explained.<br /><br />The small intestine section reviews anatomy of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and the ileocecal valve, emphasizing duodenal endoscopy and biopsy technique. Pathologies such as villous atrophy causing malabsorption, ulcers, adenomas, cancers, and varices are presented.<br /><br />The large intestine portion focuses on segments from cecum to rectum. The importance of colonoscopy withdrawal time and polyp classification (Paris classification) is discussed. Inflammatory bowel diseases—ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease—are compared by endoscopic features. Common causes of hematochezia like diverticulosis, polyps, and hemorrhoids are analyzed with therapeutic approaches.<br /><br />The pancreatico-biliary system anatomy, including liver, intrahepatic ducts, gallbladder, pancreas ducts, and ampullae, is described in detail. Common clinical scenarios such as biliary colic, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, biliary pancreatitis, bile leaks, strictures, and pancreatic cancer are outlined with corresponding imaging and endoscopic findings. Chronic pancreatitis is explored, noting inflammation, fibrosis, strictures, stones, pseudocysts, and complications like splenic vein thrombosis and gastric varices.<br /><br />Overall, this comprehensive guide equips nurses and technicians with essential knowledge of GI anatomy, pathology, and endoscopic diagnosis and therapy critical for managing a wide range of GI diseases.

Asset Subtitle

G. S. Raju, MD, FRCP, FACP, FACG, FASGE

Keywords

Gastrointestinal anatomy

Endoscopic diagnosis

GERD

Barrett's esophagus

Gastric biopsies

Small intestine pathology

Colonoscopy techniques

Inflammatory bowel disease

Pancreatico-biliary disorders

Chronic pancreatitis