AGA Clinical Practice Update on High-Quality Upper Endoscopy: Expert Review

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy
• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

• Upper endoscopy is a crucial diagnostic tool for various gastrointestinal conditions.
• Ensuring high-quality examinations is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective patient management.
• Existing guidelines may not fully address practical aspects of performing optimal upper endoscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance on best practices for high-quality upper endoscopy.
• To offer practical, timely advice for endoscopists in the United States.
• To improve diagnostic yield and patient outcomes through standardized procedures.

Main Methods:

• Development of best practice advice statements based on published literature, guidelines, and expert consensus.
• Statements reviewed internally by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Clinical Practice Updates (CPU) Committee and externally.
• Focus on practical recommendations for clinical application in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Main Results:

• Recommendations cover appropriate indication and informed consent, mucosal visualization, use of high-definition endoscopy, and image enhancement technologies.
• Emphasis on thorough mucosal inspection, documentation using standard terminology, and standardized biopsy protocols.
• Guidance on providing management recommendations and determining surveillance endoscopy based on findings and histopathology.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to these best practices can enhance the quality and diagnostic accuracy of upper endoscopy.
• Standardized documentation and clear communication of findings and recommendations are critical.
• These guidelines aim to optimize patient care for foregut conditions evaluated by upper endoscopy.