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Page: Indications
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Diagnostic
* Unexplained anemia (usually along with a colonoscopy)
* Upper gastrointestinal bleeding as evidenced by hemetemesis or melena
* Persistent dyspepsia in patients over the age of 40-45 years
* Heartburn and chronic acid reflux - this can lead to a precancerous lesion called Barrett's esophagus
* Persistent vomiting
* Dysphagia - difficulty in swallowing
* Odynophagia - painful swallowing
* Surveillance of Barrett's esophagus
* Surveillance of gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer
* Occasionally after gastric surgery
* Abnormal barium swallow or barium meal
Therapeutic
* Treatment (banding/sclerotherapy) of esophageal varices
* Injection of liquids through a needle (e.g. adrenalin in bleeding lesions)
* Cutting off of larger pieces of tissue with a snare device (e.g. polyps, endoscopic mucosal resection)
* Application of cautery to tissues
* Retrieval of foreign bodies that have been ingested
* Tamponade of bleeding esophageal varices with a balloon
* Application of photodynamic therapy for treatment of esophageal malignancies
* Endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst
* Tightening the lower esophageal sphincter.
Newer interventions
* Endoscopic trans-gastric laparoscopy
* Instillation of gastric balloons in bariatric surgery
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Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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