Early Colonoscopy in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Nationwide Analysis.

Background: Performing colonoscopy within 24 h of presentation to the hospital is the accepted standard of care for patients with an acute lower gastrointestinal bleed (LGIB). Previous studies have failed to demonstrate the benefit of early colonoscopy (EC) on mortality. In this study, we wanted to see if there was a change in inpatient deaths (primary outcome), length of stay (LOS), and hospitalization charges (TOTCHG) (secondary outcomes) with EC compared to previous studies.

Efficacy and safety of upper endoscopy procedures during pregnancy.

The risks of performing endoscopy become more complex when the patient is pregnant. The endoscopist has to consider all the factors that affect the health of both the patient and the fetus. Although pregnant patients are generally healthy, they may have changes in blood pressure and volume status as well as alterations in tolerance of anesthesia and luminal distention.