Open access upper endoscopy. can the practice be improved?
Qvist, P.; Jacobsen, C.D.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 113(2): 222-224
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 7786322 Document Number: 408778
150 patients who were referred to the open access endoscopical unit in a county hospital for upper gastrointestinal examination were evaluated. The aim was to answer the following questions: How often is this upper GI-endoscopy of value for medical treatment of the patient, and is "open access endoscopy" a practical system? In order to obtain a more reliable diagnosis it is necessary to examine the patient without delay, and thereby avoid the masking effect of H-2 blockers and omeprazole. More attention to anamnestic risk factors would improve case selection. In many cases it is possible to rely on X-ray examination, and thus reduce the burden on the endoscopy unit and allow for instant endoscopy service.