Complications of diagnostic upper Gastrointestinal endoscopy: common and rare - recognition, assessment and management

William Waddingham; Umair Kamran; Bhaskar Kumar; Nigel J Trudgill; Zacharias P Tsiamoulos; Matthew Banks

doi:10.1136/bmjgast-2021-000688

Complications of diagnostic upper Gastrointestinal endoscopy: common and rare - recognition, assessment and management

BMJ Open Gastroenterol. 2022 Dec;9(1):e000688. doi: 10.1136/bmjgast-2021-000688.

Authors

William Waddingham¹, Umair Kamran², Bhaskar Kumar³, Nigel J Trudgill², Zacharias P Tsiamoulos⁴, Matthew Banks⁵

Affiliations

¹ Gastro-intestinal Services, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
² Department of gastroenterology, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK.
³ Department of Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK.
⁴ Gastroenterology, East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust, Margate, UK.
⁵ Gastro-intestinal Services, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK matthew.banks2@nhs.net.

Abstract

A clear understanding of the potential complications or adverse events (AEs) of diagnostic endoscopy is an essential component of being an endoscopist. Creating a culture of safety and prevention of AEs should be part of routine endoscopy practice. Appropriate patient selection for procedures, informed consent, periprocedure risk assessments and a team approach, all contribute to reducing AEs. Early recognition, prompt management and transparent communication with patients are essential for the holistic and optimal management of AEs. In this review, we discuss the complications of diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, including their recognition, treatment and prevention.

Keywords: ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES; ENDOSCOPY; SURGICAL COMPLICATIONS.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal* / adverse effects
Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal* / methods
Humans
Risk Assessment