Biomedical subjects

R P Pierzchajlo

Publications and source records attributed to R P Pierzchajlo.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed by a family physician. A case series of 793 procedures.

BACKGROUND: Primary care physicians are performing an increasing number of gastrointestinal endoscopies. The purpose of this research is to present a large case series of diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) performed by a family physician in a solo rural practice. METHODS: We present a retrospective chart review, including demographic characteristics, indications, endoscopic and pathologic findings, and complications for every EGD performed by a family physician over a 7-year period. RESULTS: Seven hundred ninety-three EGDs were performed on 602 patients (421 women, 181 men), with a mean age of 51.8 years. In 99% of procedures, the second portion of the duodenum was intubated. The most common indications for EGD were abdominal pain (60.5%), gastrointestinal bleeding (23.0%), dysphagia (11.6%), and heart-burn (10.7%). A total of 451 biopsies were obtained in 385 procedures, mostly from the distal esophagus (38%) or gastric antrum (37%). Common endoscopic diagnoses were gastritis (54%), esophagitis (25%), and normal study (15%). There were only two malignancies detected, one gastric lymphoma and one carcinoma metastatic to the stomach. One minor complication (0.13%) occurred, an immediate urticarial rash after intravenous meperidine. CONCLUSIONS: Experienced family physicians can safely and competently perform diagnostic EGD and provide this important service to their community.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Colonoscopy performed by a family physician. A case series of 751 procedures.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy, including biopsy and polypectomy, is a procedure not commonly performed by primary care physicians. The purpose of this research was to present a large case series of colonoscopic procedures performed by a family physician in a rural practice. METHODS: A chart review of every colonoscopy procedure performed by a family physician over a 7-year period determined the demographic characteristics, indications, findings, and complications for each procedure. RESULTS: A total of 751 colonoscopies were performed on 555 patients (347 women and 208 men), with a mean age of 53.8 years. In 91.5% of procedures, the cecum was intubated. The most common indications for colonoscopy were bleeding (49.9%), polyp follow-up (20.9%) abdominal pain (11.7%), diarrhea (11.6%), and abnormal findings on flexible sigmoidoscopy (8.4%). Three hundred sixteen benign polyps were discovered and removed by either biopsy or polypectomy. There were 184 adenomatous colorectal polyps found in 134 (17.8%) colonoscopies. Of these 184 adenomatous polyps, 106 (58%) were potentially within reach of the flexible sigmoidoscope. Only three adenocarcinomas were discovered during the entire study period. There was only one major procedural complication: a patient experienced blood oozing from a polypectomy stump; cautery stopped the bleeding, and the patient was hospitalized overnight, with no further intervention or transfusion required. There were five other self-limited complications, including adverse reactions to sedation and infiltration at the intravenous site. CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopy with polypectomy that was safely and competently performed in a solo rural practice adds to the evidence that experienced family physicians can provide this important service to their community.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1995

Colonoscopic biopsy and polypectomy.

The techniques of biopsy and polypectomy are essential skills for a primary care endoscopist because lesions requiring these interventions are common. This article reviews common and uncommon lesions, electrosurgical principles, traditional, and novel techniques.

Biopsy↗