Endoscopy 2006; 38(3): 276-278
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924984
Review
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pretreatment Endoscopy - Pro & Contra: Is Endoscopy Needed before Treatment in All Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

N.  Vakil1
  • 1 University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
10 March 2006 (online)

The role of endoscopy in reflux disease has changed from being primarily diagnostic to one of risk management. Objective studies of routine endoscopy have shown little change in outcomes after the examination. Screening and surveillance for Barrett’s esophagus is still an unconfirmed strategy. In most developed countries, including western Europe and North America, middle-aged patients (over the age of 50) with gastroesophageal reflux disease would benefit more from colonoscopy than upper endoscopy.

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N. Vakil, M.D.

University of Wisconsin Medical School · Aurora Sinai Medical Center

945 North 12th Street · Room 4040 · Milwaukee, WI 53233 · USA

Fax: +1-262-524-0581

Email: nvakil@wisc.edu

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