Recent changes in gastrointestinal investigation in a university hospital.
There have been major advances over recent years in the endoscopic investigation of the gastrointestinal tract. The annual number of radiological and endoscopic procedures in a 700-bed university hospital over seven years has been reviewed. The average annual number of barium meal examinations decreased by 67%, while the number of gastroscopies increased by 36% over the same period. Similarly, colonoscopy rates increased and fewer barium enema examinations were performed. The procedural work-load of the Gastroenterology Unit has more than trebled over the seven years. These changes, together with other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, should decrease the need for surgery and reduce the length of stay in hospital.
D001315:Australia; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D002765:Cholecystography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004064:Digestive System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004386:Duodenum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D004733:Enema; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013270:Stomach / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography
D001466:Barium Sulfate