Elective Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in an Outpatient Endoscopy Center: Impact on Patient Management

The records of one hundred consecutive patients referred to a free-standing outpatient endoscopy center for upper gastrointestinal (UGI) complaints were analyzed for the influence of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) on patient management outcomes. In 52 patients, management was changed, while in 48 patients it was not. Statistical analysis of the patients' demographic and clinical data demonstrated that age over 60 was the single most important predictor of a change in patient management and treatment outcome. Therefore, patients over the age of 60 with UGI complaints should be referred by their primary caregiver to a gastroenterologist for clinical evaluation and for strong consideration for performance of an outpatient EGD. Selected patients under age 60 may be monitored, with EGD being reserved for persistent complaints or clinical findings.