| Theme |
Indications and Standards of Practice for Emergency Endoscopy |
| Title |
An Ideal Medical System for Urgent Endoscopic Procedures |
| Author |
Yorinari Ochiai |
Department of Gastroenterology, Toranomon Hospital |
| Author |
Daisuke Kikuchi |
Department of Gastroenterology, Toranomon Hospital |
| Author |
Toshiro Iizuka |
Department of Gastroenterology, Toranomon Hospital |
| Author |
Shu Hoteya |
Department of Gastroenterology, Toranomon Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Endoscopists occasionally need to perform urgent endoscopic procedures in unstable and critically ill patients. Urgent and safe endoscopic treatment requires a thorough understanding of the indications and contraindications of the procedure in the management of gastroenterological disease. Additionally, it is important to obtain an accurate history and perform medical examination and investigations such as blood tests and computed tomography (CT) scans. Prior to performing an urgent endoscopy, the patient's vital signs need to be stabilized and a probable source of bleeding must be suspected/considered. Furthermore, details regarding anesthesia/sedation and endoscopic devices ought to be understood. These details form the basis/principles to perform an optimal urgent endoscopy. The most important aspect is to determine the medical system that is operational to handle emergency situations at each hospital because endoscopists cannot perform urgent endoscopic procedures in isolation without coordination with the hospital system.
Interagency cooperation is essential between endoscopists, surgeons, radiologists, technicians, and nurses to function as a team. |