AIDS and the gastroenterologist

Over the next several decades the gastroenterologist practicing anywhere in the world will be confronted with patients with AIDS-related gastrointestinal disorders. Universal body substance isolation precautions should be practiced, however, in dealing with all patients, including those outside traditional 'risk' groups for AIDS. Principal among these precautions are using gloves for personnel involved in procedures and high-level disinfection or sterilization for all endoscopy equipment. Endoscopic procedures should be planned well in advance with special attention to endoscope selection and transport media availability. Organ-associated symptoms are reviewed, especially dysphagia, odynophagia, hemorrhage, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Opportunistic infections and malignancies often present characteristic endoscopic appearances such as that seen for cytomegalovirus ulceration or Kaposi's sarcoma. AIDS-related biliary disorders should also be recognized, principally sclerosing cholangitic or papillary stenosis.