push enteroscopy vs egd

Vertimes 2025

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03-11-2024

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Push Enteroscopy vs. EGD: Which Procedure is Right for You?

Digestive issues can be frustrating and sometimes even scary. When dealing with unexplained abdominal pain, nausea, or changes in bowel habits, your doctor may recommend an endoscopy to investigate the cause. Two common procedures used to examine the upper digestive tract are push enteroscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). While both procedures involve inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into your digestive system, they differ in their scope and purpose. Let's delve into the details of each procedure to help you understand which might be suitable for your specific situation.

What is Push Enteroscopy?

Push enteroscopy, as the name suggests, involves pushing a long, thin, flexible tube with a camera called an endoscope into the small intestine. This procedure allows doctors to visualize the lining of the small intestine, including the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, which are not accessible with EGD.

Why is Push Enteroscopy Performed?

Push enteroscopy is often used to investigate and diagnose conditions like:

• Small bowel bleeding: This procedure can help identify the source of bleeding in the small intestine, which is often difficult to pinpoint with traditional endoscopy.
• Crohn's disease: Push enteroscopy allows for a thorough examination of the small intestine, aiding in diagnosing and monitoring Crohn's disease.
• Celiac disease: This procedure can help identify areas of damage in the small intestine caused by gluten intolerance.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Push enteroscopy can help diagnose and monitor IBD by providing detailed images of the small intestine lining.
• Polyps and tumors: This procedure can help detect and remove polyps or tumors in the small intestine.

What is EGD?

EGD, also known as upper endoscopy, is a procedure used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the mouth and down the esophagus.

Why is EGD Performed?

EGD is often used to:

• Diagnose and treat gastrointestinal conditions: EGD allows for a thorough examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, aiding in diagnosing conditions like heartburn, GERD, ulcers, gastritis, and esophagitis.
• Remove polyps or tumors: EGD can be used to remove polyps or small tumors in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.
• Take biopsies: Biopsies can be taken during EGD to help diagnose conditions like cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Dilate strictures: EGD can be used to dilate strictures in the esophagus or stomach caused by scarring or inflammation.

Push Enteroscopy vs. EGD: Key Differences

Choosing the Right Procedure

The choice between push enteroscopy and EGD ultimately depends on your specific symptoms and the suspected underlying condition.

• If your symptoms suggest a problem in the small intestine, push enteroscopy may be the best option.
• If your symptoms suggest a problem in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, EGD may be the more appropriate procedure.

Important Note: It is essential to discuss your symptoms and potential treatment options with your doctor. They will be able to determine the most appropriate procedure based on your individual needs and medical history.

Additional Insights:

• Push enteroscopy is a relatively new procedure, and its use is still being refined. Some doctors may prefer to use other imaging techniques, such as capsule endoscopy, before recommending push enteroscopy.
• Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a tiny camera that takes pictures of the small intestine as it travels through the digestive system. This procedure is less invasive than push enteroscopy but may not be as comprehensive.
• EGD is a well-established and safe procedure. It is often the first step in diagnosing and treating upper gastrointestinal disorders.

Conclusion:

Push enteroscopy and EGD are valuable tools for diagnosing and managing digestive issues. Understanding the key differences between these procedures can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare. Always discuss your symptoms and concerns with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.

References:

• Push enteroscopy See "Push Enteroscopy in the Evaluation of Small Bowel Disease" by R.H. Haggitt et al., American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2008
• EGD See "Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)" by M.D. Rieder et al., American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2010