General Revision on Gastrointestinal Tract

Written by: Hossam

Diagnostic Studies
Laboratory Tests
 The complete blood cell count (CBC) reveals if anemia or
infection is present. Anemia may occur with GI bleeding or
cancer

 Electrolyte imbalances often occur with GI illness as a result of

vomiting, diarrhea, malabsorption

 Electrolyte imbalances often occur with GI illness as a result of

vomiting, diarrhea, malabsorption

 Bilirubin is an excellent measure of liver and gallbladder

functioning

 Certain enzymes such aminotransferase and lactic dehydrogenase

are released by damaged liver cells

 Stool samples can be tested for Occult blood (blood not seen by
the naked eye)
Radiographic Tests
Flat Plate of the Abdomen
 Definition: An x-ray examination giving an anterior-to-posterior
view
Upper GIT (Barium Swallow):
 Definition: An x-ray examination of the esophagus, stomach,
duodenum using an oral liquid radiopaque contrast medium to
outline the contours of the organs

 The patient receives nothing by mouth (NPO) for 6 to 8 hours

before the procedure

Lower GIT (Barium Enema):

♦ Definition: Is performed to visualize the position, movements, and
filling of the colon

 Inadequate bowel preparation may result in poor test results or

test cancellation

 If the patient has active inflammatory disease of the colon or

suspected perforation or obstruction, a barium enema is
contraindicated

Computed Tomography (CT):

 Definition: A beam of radiation to allow three-dimensional
visualization of abdominal structures

 The patient is NPO for 2 to 4 hours before the procedure

Angiography:
 Definition: Is ordered for patients with symptoms of arterial
occlusive disease of the hepatic, biliary, and pancreatic arterial
vessels

 Medications that might cause bleeding, such as aspirin or

anticoagulants are stopped about 1 week prior to the procedure

♦ The patient usually is NPO for 2 to 8 hours

Endoscopy:
 Definition: Uses a tube and a fiberoptic system for observing the
inside of a hollow organ or cavity

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: (Upper GIT)

 Definition: Visualizes the esophagus, the stomach and the
duodenum

 The patient is NPO for 8 to 12 hours before the procedure

 The patient is placed on the left side

 Patients are assessed for signs of perforation, which include

bleeding, fever
Colonoscopy: (Lower GIT)
 Definition: Provides visualization of the lining of the large
intestine to identify abnormalities through a flexible endoscope,
which is inserted rectally

Ultrasonography:
 Definition: The use of high-frequency sound waves through the
abdomen allows to view soft-tissue structures

Percutaneous Liver Biopsy:

 Definition: Done to identify cancer, hepatitis or other causes of
liver disease

 The physician generally inserts a needle through the skin and into
the liver to withdraw a small sample for examination

 This procedure places the patient at risk for bleeding

 The patient may be ordered nothing by mouth (NPO) for 6 to 8

hours before the procedure

 The patient lies on the right side for the first 2 hours to provide
pressure and prevent bleeding