Preparing the upper gastrointestinal tract for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy to identify the source of acute bleeding

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) is the main way to diagnose bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Diagnostic accuracy of the study depends on the preparation. Aim of the study was to evaluate the preparation of the upper parts of the digestive tract in case of esophagogastroduodenal bleeding. Material and methods. The retrospective analysis of 2570 case histories was carried out. Gastric lavage through nasogastric tube was carried out in the main group (1299 patients). Preparation for the primary EGDS was not carried out in the control group (1271 patients). A comparison of the number of EGDS performed and the detection of the bleeding source in the control and the main groups as well as the period of investigation up to the detection of the bleeding source were performed. Results. EGDS without preparation of the upper gastrointestinal tract in case of acute bleeding and determination of the diagnosis is possible in 85,6 % of patients. Preparation of the upper gastrointestinal tract for EGDS prolongs the study period by 30–60 minutes, but allows establishing the diagnosis in 93.7 % of cases that is by 8.1 % more than without preparation