Where to examine the gastrointestinal tract. Methods and methods of examination of the gastrointestinal tract. Indications for examination of the gastrointestinal tract

The appointment of examinations of the gastrointestinal tract is based on the symptoms that the patient presents, and in order to control and prevent diagnosed chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Indications for diagnostic procedures can be: difficult and painful digestion (dyspepsia), regular nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain, suspected oncopathology.

To date, the most accurate examination of the gastrointestinal tract is fibrogastroduodenoscopy. During FGDS, the gastroenterologist has the opportunity to assess in detail the condition of the gastric mucosa and duodenum, and make the only correct diagnosis. The complexity of the examination lies in the inability of some patients to swallow a flexible hose equipped with a video camera.

Many people ignore the procedure precisely because of the discomfort. Therefore, it would be useful to find out how to check the stomach without gastroscopy in order to timely diagnose one or another pathology. In addition to the vegetative prejudice to EGD, there are a number of contraindications to its implementation: a history of hemostasis (blood clotting) disorders, bronchial asthma, emetic hyperreflex.

In such cases, other methods of examining the stomach are prescribed. Diagnosis of diseases and abnormalities in the work of the stomach is carried out in three main areas: a physical set of measures, a laboratory study of the patient's tests, an examination using medical diagnostic equipment, and alternative endoscopy.

Easy Diagnosis

Simple diagnostic methods are mandatory for use when a patient complains of an acute abdomen, nausea, and other symptoms of gastric diseases.

Physical examination

Physical activities are carried out at the doctor's appointment, the results depend on the qualifications of the medical specialist. The complex includes:

• study of anamnesis, evaluation of symptoms according to the patient;
• visual examination of the mucous membranes;
• feeling painful areas of the body (palpation);
• palpation in a specific position of the body (percussion).

Based on the results obtained during such an examination, it is extremely difficult to diagnose the disease. The doctor may suspect the presence of a pathology, but deeper research methods are needed to confirm it.

Microscopic laboratory diagnostics

Laboratory methods consist in taking samples from the patient for further study and evaluation of the results. Most often, the following physical and chemical studies are prescribed:

• general urine analysis;
• coprogram (fecal analysis);
• clinical blood test. The number of all types of blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets) is counted, the level of hemoglobin is determined;
• gastropanel. This blood test is aimed at studying the condition of the gastric mucosa. Based on its results, the following are established: the presence of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori bacteria, the level of pepsinogen proteins produced, the level of the polypeptide hormone - gastrin, which regulates the acidic environment in the stomach;
• blood biochemistry. Quantitative indicators of bilirubin, liver enzymes, cholesterol and other blood cells are established.

Blood sampling for clinical analysis is carried out from a finger

Analyzes help to identify inflammatory processes and other disorders of the organs and systems. If the results differ significantly from the normative indicators, the patient is assigned an instrumental or hardware examination.

Application of hardware techniques

Examination of the stomach without gastroscopy is carried out with the participation of special medical devices. They record the state of the mucosa, density, size and other parameters of the organ, and transmit information that is subject to subsequent decoding by a specialist.

• x-ray examination (with the use of contrast);
• CT and MRI (computed and magnetic resonance imaging);
• EGG (electrogastrography) and EGEG (electrogastroenterography);
• Ultrasound (ultrasound examination).

During gastric examination by hardware, all manipulations are performed without direct intervention in the body, without damaging the external tissues of the body (non-invasively). The procedures do not cause pain in the patient.

Significant disadvantages of the method include low information content in the initial period of the disease, X-ray irradiation unsafe for health, side effects from taking a barium solution.

X-ray with contrast

The method is based on the use of x-rays. To improve visualization of the stomach, the patient drinks a barium solution before the examination. This substance plays the role of a contrast, under the influence of which soft tissues acquire the ability to absorb x-rays. Barium darkens the organs of the digestive system in the picture, which allows you to detect possible pathologies.

X-ray helps in determining the following changes:

• improper arrangement of organs (displacement);
• condition of the lumen of the esophagus and stomach (enlargement or narrowing);
• non-compliance of organs with standard sizes;
• hypo- or hypertonicity of the muscles of organs;
• a niche in the filling defect (most often, this is a symptom of peptic ulcer disease).

CT scan

In fact, this is the same x-ray, only modified, with advanced diagnostic capabilities. The examination is carried out after the preliminary filling of the stomach with liquid for a clearer view.

In addition, an iodine-based contrast agent is injected intravenously to highlight blood vessels on a tomogram. CT, as a rule, is used for suspected tumor processes of oncological etiology. The method allows you to find out not only the presence of stomach cancer in a patient and its stage, but also the degree of involvement of adjacent organs in the oncological process.

Imperfection of diagnostics consists in irradiation of the patient with X-rays, possible allergic reactions to contrast, as well as the inability of CT to fully and detailed study of the digestive tract, since its hollow tissues are difficult to diagnose using CT. The procedure is not performed for women in the perinatal period.

MR imaging

The prerogative aspects of MRI are the use of magnetic waves that are safe for the patient, the ability to determine the initial stage of gastric cancer. In addition, this diagnosis is prescribed for suspected ulcers, intestinal obstruction and gastritis, to assess the adjacent lymphatic system, and to detect foreign objects in the gastrointestinal tract. The disadvantages include contraindications:

• body weight 130+;
• the presence in the body of metal medical items (vascular clips, pacemaker, Ilizarov apparatus, inner ear prostheses);
• rather high cost and inaccessibility for peripheral hospitals.

Examination of the gastrointestinal tract on magnetic resonance imaging is often performed with contrast

EGG and EGEG

Using these methods, the stomach and intestines are evaluated during the period of peristaltic contractions. A special device reads the impulses of electrical signals that come from the organs during their contraction during the digestion of food. As an independent study, it is practically not used. They are used only as an auxiliary diagnostics. The disadvantages are the long time period of the procedure (about three hours) and the inability of the appliance to establish other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

ultrasound

Diagnosis of the stomach by ultrasound, most often, is carried out as part of a comprehensive examination of the abdominal organs. However, unlike the indicators of other organs (liver, pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys), it is not possible to examine the stomach completely. There is no complete picture of the organ.

In this regard, the list of diagnosed diseases is limited:

• abnormal change in the size of the organ, swelling of the walls;
• purulent inflammation and the presence of fluid in the stomach;
• limited accumulation of blood in case of damage to the organ with rupture of blood vessels (hematomas);
• narrowing (stenosis) of the lumen;
• tumor formations;
• protrusion of the walls (diverticulosis) of the esophagus;
• intestinal obstruction.

Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs is preferably carried out annually

The main disadvantage of all hardware diagnostic procedures is that the medical specialist examines only external changes in the stomach and adjacent organs. In this case, it is impossible to determine the acidity of the stomach, to take tissues for further laboratory analysis (biopsy).

Addition to hardware diagnostics

An additional method is Acidotest (taking a combined medical preparation to establish approximate indicators of the pH of the gastric environment). The first dose of medication is taken after emptying the bladder. After 60 minutes, the patient gives a urine test and takes a second dose. After an hour and a half, urine is taken again.

Before testing, it is forbidden to eat food for eight hours. Urine analysis reveals the presence of a dye in it. This allows you to roughly determine the acidity of the stomach without gastroscopy. Acidotest does not give 100% effectiveness, but only indirectly indicates a reduced (increased) level of acidity.

Alternative Endoscopy

Closest to EGD in terms of information content is capsule endoscopy. The examination is carried out without swallowing the probe, and at the same time it reveals a number of pathologies that are inaccessible to hardware procedures:

• chronic ulcerative and erosive lesions;
• gastritis, gastroduodenitis, reflux;
• neoplasms of any etiology;
• helminth infestations;
• inflammatory processes in the small intestine (enteritis);
• cause of systematic indigestion;
• Crohn's disease.

The diagnostic method is carried out by introducing a capsule with a tiny video camera into the patient's body. There is no need for an instrumental introduction. The weight of the microdevice does not exceed six grams, the shell is made of polymer. This makes it easy to swallow the capsule with a sufficient amount of water. The video camera data is transmitted to the device installed on the patient's waist, the indications from which are taken by the doctor after 8-10 hours. At the same time, the rhythm of a person's habitual life does not change.

Capsule for endoscopic examination of the stomach

Removal of the capsule occurs naturally during bowel movements. Significant disadvantages of the technique include: the inability to conduct a biopsy, the extremely high cost of the examination. All methods for diagnosing the gastrointestinal tract provide for preliminary preparation of the body. First of all, it concerns the correction of nutrition.

The diet should be lightened a few days before the examination. Carrying out hardware procedures is possible only on an empty stomach. The stomach can be checked using any method that is convenient and not contraindicated for the patient. However, the palm in terms of information content, and hence the maximum accuracy of diagnosis, remains with FGDS.

An examination of the intestines will be required if the following phenomena are of concern:

• persistent constipation or diarrhea;
• the presence of various impurities (blood, mucus and others) in the stool;
• sudden weight loss that is not due to obvious reasons (for example, a strict diet);
• pain of a different nature in the anus or abdomen;
• the presence of a foreign object in the intestine;
• bloating.

Diagnosis of the stomach is necessary if you suspect:

• gastritis, pancreatitis and peptic ulcer;
• internal bleeding;
• cholelithiasis;
• malignant tumors.

An examination is prescribed if nausea with bouts of vomiting, pain in the left side of the abdomen, belching, heartburn are often disturbed.

Existing Methods

For dysfunction of the digestive tract, the following diagnostic methods are used:

• external examination (physical examination);
• laboratory research;
• instrumental diagnostics;
• radiation examination.

The first two methods help to make a preliminary diagnosis. The latter confirm the assumptions and allow you to choose the optimal treatment.

Visual inspection

Physical examination involves an assessment of the condition of the skin and oral cavity, as well as superficial and deep palpation. If, as part of the last procedure, the patient experiences severe pain, then this symptom indicates deviations in the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

Additionally, during a physical examination, an examination of the area in the anus is carried out to detect cracks, neoplasms and hemorrhoids.

Laboratory research

In the laboratory, blood and stool tests are carried out. The first is used to detect the presence of foci of inflammation in the body. Analysis of fecal masses is prescribed for suspected helminthic invasion and other disorders. The latter are diagnosed through a coprogram. This method is used to assess changes in the color, texture and smell of stools, which may indicate dysfunction of the digestive system.

If necessary, an analysis is carried out for dysbacteriosis, characteristic of some pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

Instrumental diagnostics

To confirm the preliminary diagnosis is used:

1. Abdominal ultrasound. It is prescribed for pain in the abdomen. Ultrasound helps to assess the nature of the location and degree of filling of the stomach and intestines. Also, with the help of a diagnostic apparatus, tumors of a different nature are detected.
2. Sigmoidoscopy. The method helps to identify changes in the structure of the intestinal mucosa.
3. Colonoscopy. The procedure is similar to sigmoidoscopy. The difference lies in the fact that during a colonoscopy tissue is taken for subsequent histological examination and (if necessary) tumors are removed.
4. Endoscopy. The method is similar to the previous ones, except that during this procedure the tube is inserted through the pharynx.
5. Laparoscopy. A minimally invasive operation that allows diagnosing ascites, neoplasms, the consequences of mechanical damage and other changes in the structure of the abdominal organs.

If there are appropriate opportunities, the examination of the stomach is carried out using a gastropanel, which provides for the intake of a special stimulant and a subsequent blood test. The method allows you to determine the rate of assimilation of soy or food proteins by the body.

In some cases, capsule diagnostics is used, in which the patient needs to swallow two capsules with cameras. The procedure is similar to endoscopy.

Radiation examination

In case of detection of neoplasms or stones in the digestive tract, the following is used:

1. CT scan. Allows you to identify minor tumors and stones.
2. Irrigoscopy with barium. Provides comprehensive information about the state of organs.
3. Radiosotropic scan with contrast agent. Helps diagnose tumors and assess intestinal motility.

Many of the procedures described are painful and require the use of anesthetics. After the diagnosis of the gastrointestinal tract, complications rarely occur.

Heading materials

Preparation for an appointment with a proctologist is a series of activities aimed at cleansing all parts of the intestine. Restriction of food intake is shown, in some cases short fasting, cleansing enemas, taking laxatives. To determine the problem, the doctor must see the condition of the mucous membranes and epithelium of all parts of the intestine. Therefore, it is necessary to empty the digestive organ before a visit to a highly specialized specialist.

Recently, more and more patients of different ages are faced with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In order to make a competent diagnosis and prescribe a suitable treatment method, the proctologist needs to visually examine the walls of the colon, assess the condition of the tissues. This can only be done with a colonoscope.

FGDS under anesthesia allows you to reduce discomfort and discomfort during the procedure. Manipulation provides a normal mental state of the patient. The specialist in this case, when performing FGDS, is not distracted by the patient.

To identify pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract in modern medicine, different research methods are used. The latest equipment helps to obtain valuable information about human health; in many cases, diagnosis does not cause discomfort. An anomaly can be detected even in situations where there are no complaints or external signs of illness.

Indications for examination of the gastrointestinal tract

Examination of the gastrointestinal tract is the most important step for making the correct diagnosis, since pathologies are common in people of all ages and can lead to serious consequences. Indications for the study of the intestine are:

Checking the stomach is prescribed in the following cases:

• internal bleeding;
• gastritis (acute or chronic);
• pancreatitis;
• malignant formations;
• stones in the gallbladder;
• ulcers of the stomach or duodenum;
• pain of unknown etiology;
• nausea, dryness or bitterness in the mouth;
• belching and heartburn;
• pronounced narrowing of the upper part of the stomach or its underdevelopment.

Often, the entire gastrointestinal tract is examined. This allows you to determine the coherence of the work of organs or deviations in functioning.

Methods for diagnosing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Thanks to modern techniques, today the detection of defects is possible with a minimum error. Standard studies are offered in any clinic, but many consider the procedures difficult to access, which is why they seek help when the pathology is at a late stage of development. Often one diagnostic method is enough, in difficult cases they are combined. How to examine internal organs?

Physical Approach

External non-invasive procedures are called physical techniques. These include palpation, percussion, visual inspection and auscultation. When examining a person, the doctor notes the following factors:

• lethargy and roughness of the skin;
• pallor of the integument and deterioration of their elasticity;
• smoothness of the tongue or the presence of a white / brown coating on it.

If a person does not have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, this symptomatology is unusual for him. Inspection allows you to make a preliminary diagnosis. If one of the signs is found, the doctor performs superficial or deep palpation. The specialist presses on the stomach, passing from the inguinal zone upwards. In a healthy person, the muscles do not tense much, there is no pain. Deep palpation is carried out in the area of ​​discomfort.

Rectal examination is necessary to examine the anus and identify its functionality. The procedure is performed by a proctologist, assessing the presence of cracks, hemorrhoids, polyps.

Analyzes and laboratory studies

Diagnostics in the laboratory is a necessary measure for all diseases. To check the stomach and intestines, the specialist prescribes tests:

• general blood test (performed in the morning, on an empty stomach);
• examination of feces for the presence of protozoa;
• examination of the stool for eggs of worms;
• analysis of microflora (for dysbacteriosis);
• coprogram (a comprehensive check of feces for changes in color, smell, shape, the presence of various inclusions).

Instrumental Methods

To examine the stomach and intestines, various instruments are often used that can show part of the organ or completely visualize the sections of the gastrointestinal tract. How can you check the stomach and intestines? Methods for examination are relevant:

Radiation diagnostics

Patients may be offered non-invasive X-ray examinations to assist in making a diagnosis. These include the following methods:

Possible complications after procedures

Most examinations are completely harmless, but some are quite unpleasant and painful, such as endoscopy and colonoscopy. For this reason, rectal tube insertion is performed under local anesthesia or sedation. The risk of complications is small, but it exists.

The consequences of different types of diagnostics are presented in the table.

Intestinal examination. Who among us has not experienced panic fear at the thought of such procedures? After all, until recently, the methods used to diagnose intestinal diseases were quite painful.

But progress does not stand still, and now there are new, painless examination methods that will not interfere with normal well-being, and some of them will not even change the rhythm of your life.

Why examine the intestines?

The intestines are subject to a large number of diseases. These are inflammatory processes, injuries, congenital anomalies, benign and malignant tumors. Therefore, timely diagnosis allows you to start treatment on time and prevent further development of the disease.

Typically, the main symptoms of bowel disease are:

• stool disorder - frequent stool or delay;
• pain in the abdomen or anus;
• the presence of mucus or blood in the stool;
• flatulence;
• vomiting, nausea;
• weakness, feeling unwell.

Such symptoms are the reason for going to the doctor and further examination.

What are the methods of examination of the intestine?

Methods for examining the intestines differ in their information content and complement each other. In some cases, the diagnosis can be established during the initial examination of the patient using digital examination and anoscopy.

If necessary, further examination is carried out by such methods as:

• irrigoscopy;
• colonoscopy;
• ultrasound examination (ultrasound);
• Magnetic resonance imaging;
• capsule research.

One of the most informative ways to examine the intestines is the x-ray method (irrigoscopy). In this case, the patient takes a contrast mixture and, according to the time of its receipt in the intestines, as well as the pattern of the intestinal mucosa, conclusions are drawn about the motor function of the colon and the presence of inflammatory processes. It also determines the presence of pathologies, the shape and size of the intestine.

Colonoscopy allows you to examine the entire surface of the intestine, while it is possible to eliminate benign tumors (polyps), remove foreign bodies, stop bleeding. With this procedure, it is possible to take tissue for a biopsy, for further research on the subject of malignant tumors.

Intestinal ultrasound is used to diagnose children, pregnant women and the elderly. The study is carried out only after special preparation.

Magnetic resonance imaging provides complete information about the state of the intestine, the presence of tumors, inflammation, ulcers, narrowing and perforations. The procedure is completely painless.

For capsule research, an enterocapsule equipped with a video camera is used. Moving through different parts of the digestive system, the capsule captures information about the work of these departments, the state of the mucous membrane and the presence of pathologies. Then this information is processed by a specialist and a diagnosis is made. In this case, the patient leads a normal life. The enterocapsule is excreted from the body naturally.

Disease is better prevented

To date, there are many methods for diagnosing intestinal diseases that allow you to identify the disease at an early stage or even prevent its occurrence. If desired, you can for a fee, wherein Prices bowel examination in Moscow are very affordable.

This article is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a physician.