Appropriateness of outpatient gastrointestinal endoscopy in a non-academic hospital

Table 2 Indications for esophagogastroduodenoscopy and diagnostic yield according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines n (%)

ASGE Indication	Frequency	Relevant lesions (%)	P
Appropriate indication	315 (82.7)	36.6
Upper abdominal symptoms1	108 (28.3)	21.3	0.001
Esophageal reflux symptoms that are persistent or recurrent despite appropriate therapy	46 (12.1)	39.1	0.412
Portal hypertension evaluation	30 (7.9)	80.0	< 0.0001
Follow-up of gastric ulcer	24 (6.3)	33.3	1.0
Iron deficiency anemia	23 (6.0)	13.0	0.018
Endoscopic treatment	18 (4.7)	77.8	< 0.0001
Dysphagia or odynophagia	16 (4.1)	62.5	0.027
Surveillance for malignancy in patients with Barrett’s esophagus	11 (2.9)	90.9	< 0.0001
Persistent vomiting of unknown cause	11 (2.9)	18.2	0.346
Active or recent GI bleeding	10 (2.6)	30.0	1.0
For confirmation and specific histologic diagnosis of radiologically demonstrated lesions	8 (2.1)	50.0	0.451
Sampling of tissue or fluid	7 (1.8)	14.3	0.236
Others	24 (6.2)	25.0	0.523
Uncertain indication	22 (5.8)	36.4
Anemia not otherwise characterized	22 (5.8)	36.4	1.0
Inappropriate indication	44 (11.5)	11.4
Surveillance for malignancy in patients with chronic gastritis	11 (2.9)	0	< 0.0001
Surveillance for malignancy in patients with prior gastric operation	10 (2.6)	25.0	0.758
Follow-up of duodenal ulcer	8 (2.1)	30.0	1.0
Others	15 (3.8)	0	< 0.0001

¹Upper abdominal symptoms persistent, despite therapy, associated with symptoms or signs suggesting serious organic disease or occurring in patients > 45 years old. ASGE: American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy; GI: Gastrointestinal.