TY - JOUR
T1 - Esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed by a family physician
T2 - A case series of 793 procedures
AU - Pierzchajlo, Richard P.J.
AU - Ackermann, Richard J.
AU - Vogel, Robert L.
N1 - J Fam Pract. 1998 Jan;46(1):41-6. Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
PY - 1998/1
Y1 - 1998/1
N2 - Background: Primary care physicians are performing an increasing number of gastrointestinal endoscopies. The purpose of this research is to present a large case series of diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) performed by a family physician in a solo rural practice. Methods: We present a retrospective chart review, including demographic characteristics, indications, endoscopic and pathologic findings, and complications for every EGD performed by a family physician over a 7-year period. Results: Seven hundred ninety-three EGDs were performed on 602 patients (421 women, 181 men), with a mean age of 51.8 years. In 99% of procedures, the second portion of the duodenum was intubated. The most common indications for EGD were abdominal pain (60.5%), gastrointestinal bleeding (23.0%), dysphagia (11.6%), and heart-burn (10.7%). A total of 451 biopsies were obtained in 385 procedures, mostly from the distal esophagus (38%) or gastric antrum (37%). Common endoscopic diagnoses were gastritis (54%), esophagitis (25%), and normal study (15%). There were only two malignancies detected, one gastric lymphoma and one carcinoma metastatic to the stomach. One minor complication (0.13%) occurred, an immediate urticarial rash after intravenous meperidine. Conclusions: Experienced family physicians can safely and competently perform diagnostic EGD and provide this important service to their community.
AB - Background: Primary care physicians are performing an increasing number of gastrointestinal endoscopies. The purpose of this research is to present a large case series of diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) performed by a family physician in a solo rural practice. Methods: We present a retrospective chart review, including demographic characteristics, indications, endoscopic and pathologic findings, and complications for every EGD performed by a family physician over a 7-year period. Results: Seven hundred ninety-three EGDs were performed on 602 patients (421 women, 181 men), with a mean age of 51.8 years. In 99% of procedures, the second portion of the duodenum was intubated. The most common indications for EGD were abdominal pain (60.5%), gastrointestinal bleeding (23.0%), dysphagia (11.6%), and heart-burn (10.7%). A total of 451 biopsies were obtained in 385 procedures, mostly from the distal esophagus (38%) or gastric antrum (37%). Common endoscopic diagnoses were gastritis (54%), esophagitis (25%), and normal study (15%). There were only two malignancies detected, one gastric lymphoma and one carcinoma metastatic to the stomach. One minor complication (0.13%) occurred, an immediate urticarial rash after intravenous meperidine. Conclusions: Experienced family physicians can safely and competently perform diagnostic EGD and provide this important service to their community.
KW - Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
KW - Family
KW - Physicians
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0031883434&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
SN - 0094-3509
VL - 46
SP - 41
EP - 46
JO - Journal of Family Practice
JF - Journal of Family Practice
IS - 1
ER -