A person who has repeated heartburn may be told the doctor needs to take a look at the esophagus through a procedure known as an upper endoscopy. This is frequently done to diagnose Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), one of the most common conditions that drive people to see a doctor.
Now, however, a group of experts has determined that under best practice many fewer people would undergo this uncomfortable and expensive procedure. The doctors recommend that it be reserved for people with additional symptoms of anemia, bleeding, recurrent vomiting, weight loss or difficulty swallowing in addition to heartburn. Other people who might benefit from endoscopy include those whose symptoms persist for several months despite treatment and people who have Barrett esophagus, a potentially pre-cancerous condition.
Although the risks involved in upper endoscopy are low, there is a one-in-1,000 to one-in-10,000 chance of complications, some of which may prove fatal. Using endoscopy only when it is needed should help keep patients safer.
For more information about managing heartburn with or without medications, we suggest our inexpensive 8-page Guide to Digestive Disorders.
[Annals of Internal Medicine, Dec.3, 2012]
