Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
05:57
ADSC-sheet Transplantation to Prevent Stricture after Extended Esophageal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection
Published on: February 10, 2017
Endoscopy in a deployed combat support hospital: maintaining military end-strength
Alan L Beitler1, Glenn W Wortmann, Henri RenomDeLaBaume
1Department of Surgery, Department of Veterans Affairs-New Jersey Healthcare System, East Orange, NJ 07018-1095, USA. Alan.Beitler@med.va.gov.
Military Medicine
|July 1, 2006
Summary
Diagnostic endoscopy, including colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), proved safe and effective in Afghanistan. These procedures prevented 82% of military patients from needing evacuation, highlighting their value in deployed settings.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Procedures
Background:
- Deployment of medical units in austere environments presents unique challenges.
- Diagnostic capabilities are crucial for managing gastrointestinal conditions in deployed personnel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of diagnostic endoscopy performed by the 48th Combat Support Hospital in Afghanistan.
- To determine the impact of endoscopy on patient evacuation rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for patients undergoing endoscopy.
- Procedures included colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
- Data collected from December 2002 to June 2003.
Main Results:
- Twenty-four patients underwent 28 endoscopic procedures with no reported complications.
- Endoscopic procedures obviated the need for evacuation for 82% of U.S. military patients.
- One elective screening colonoscopy was performed.
Conclusions:
- Diagnostic colonoscopy and EGD are safe and effective adjuncts in deployed settings.
- Endoscopy significantly reduces the need for evacuation, preserving operational readiness.
- Routine use of endoscopy is recommended for prolonged military operations.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure in which an endoscopist uses a flexible, lighted endoscope to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The procedure includes visualizing the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
01:25Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
The colon, or large intestine, is the final segment of the digestive system. Its primary functions include absorbing water and vitamins produced by gut bacteria and transforming waste from liquid to solid to form stool. In adults, the large intestine is approximately 5 feet long and consists of four main sections:
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:28Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy, or wireless or video capsule endoscopy, is a diagnostic procedure for examining the entire gastrointestinal tract. Patients swallow a capsule about the size of a vitamin tablet. The capsule is equipped with a transmitter, a battery, an LED light source, and a color video camera to capture images throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This procedure is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, tumors, polyps, ulcers, unexplained...
01:26Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions related to the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. This procedure is beneficial for identifying and addressing blockages, gallstones, strictures, and tumors within the biliary or pancreatic systems. ERCP is both diagnostic and therapeutic, offering the ability to visualize and treat identified problems in one session.
Patient...
Patient...
01:30Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical technique used to examine a person's internal organs and vessels. This lesson will focus on two types of endoscopic studies: bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...