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Follow-up endoscopy in gastroenterology: when is it helpful?
Heiko Lübbers1, Reiner Mahlke, Paul Georg Lankisch
1Allgemeine Innere Medizin, Städtisches Klinikum Lüneburg, Lüneburg, Germany.
Deutsches Arzteblatt International
|February 9, 2010
Summary
Follow-up endoscopy guidelines vary for gastrointestinal diseases. Indications are established for some conditions like reflux disease and ulcers, but more research is needed for others, including hereditary colorectal cancer screening protocols.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endoscopic procedures
- Clinical guidelines
Background:
- Indications for follow-up endoscopy are not universally established for all endoscopic diagnoses.
- Variability exists in current clinical practice regarding post-diagnostic endoscopic surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current indications for follow-up endoscopy across various gastrointestinal diseases.
- To identify areas where further research is needed to clarify endoscopic surveillance protocols.
Main Methods:
- Selective literature review.
- Survey of national guidelines on follow-up endoscopy.
Main Results:
- Follow-up endoscopy for reflux disease is indicated for complications or Barrett's esophagus.
- Endoscopic monitoring is mandatory for gastric ulcers and complicated duodenal ulcers.
- Specific guidelines exist for ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and hereditary colorectal carcinoma surveillance.
Conclusions:
- Many indications for follow-up endoscopy require further clarification.
- Controlled studies are essential to establish evidence-based guidelines for patient care.
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