Introduction Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated clinicopathological disease characterized by esophageal symptoms, eosinophilic inflammation localized to the esophagus, and the absence of other causes of eosinophilia. This evolving definition, devised after multiple iterations by a consensus panel, excludes…
Introduction Gastrointestinal foreign bodies (GIFBs) and food impactions are a common problem encountered by endoscopists, and, next to gastrointestinal bleeding, are the second most common endoscopic emergency encountered. Previous studies have suggested that between 1500 and 2750 deaths occurred in…
Introduction In this chapter, we describe the evaluation, treatment, and subsequent long-term management for patients with benign esophageal strictures. Patients with clinically significant esophageal strictures present with symptoms of dysphagia, typically first to solid foods. Symptoms may then progress in…
Introduction Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is a posterior pharyngoesophageal mucosal outpouching that forms through Killian's triangle. Poor upper esophageal sphincter (UES) compliance is the acknowledged pathophysiologic mechanism of action, leading to creation of a high-pressure zone, ultimately resulting in diverticulum formation.…
Introduction Esophageal motility disorders are ubiquitous in gastroenterology practice today, and developments in technology have led to a revolution in both their diagnosis and treatment. This chapter focuses on clinically significant esophageal motility disorders relevant to gastrointestinal endoscopy practice, primarily…
Introduction Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage may be overt or occult. Overt bleeding is defined as chronic if it is persistent but not severe enough to cause circulatory compromise. It may be seen in the form of melena or red rectal…
Introduction Traditionally, obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is reported to account for approximately 5% of all gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and is defined as bleeding from an unknown source that persists or recurs after negative bidirectional endoscopic diagnostic evaluations. A negative bidirectional…
Introduction Acute severe lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common problem and frequent reason for hospitalization. Colonoscopy is often performed for diagnosis and potential therapeutic intervention. This chapter focuses on moderate to severe acute lower GI bleeding, defined as hematochezia,…
Introduction Portal hypertension is defined by a pathologic increase in portal pressure in which the pressure gradient between the portal vein and inferior vena cava (the portal pressure gradient, PPG) is increased above the upper normal limit of 5 mm Hg.…
Introduction The annual incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is 48 to 160 events per 100,000 adults in the United States, where it is the cause of approximately 300,000 hospital admissions per year. In Europe, the annual incidence of UGIB…