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Gastroenterology guides
17 plain-English, evidence-linked guides in Gastroenterology, with clinical review status shown on each page.
24-hour pH / impedance monitoring (Ambulatory 24-hour oesophageal pH and impedance monitoring)A test that records how much acid and fluid comes up from the stomach into the gullet over 24 hours or more, used to confirm reflux and link it to your symptoms.Argon plasma coagulation (Argon plasma coagulation (APC))A treatment done during an endoscopy that uses argon gas and an electric current to deliver heat without touching the tissue, mainly to stop or prevent bleeding from fragile blood vessels in the gut.Banding of oesophageal varices (Endoscopic variceal band ligation (oesophageal varices))A procedure done during a gastroscopy to place small rubber bands around swollen veins in the gullet, to stop them bleeding or to reduce the risk of a serious bleed.Biologic therapy for IBD (biologic and targeted therapy for inflammatory bowel disease)Treatment with targeted antibody medicines, given by drip or injection, to control moderate to severe Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis when other treatments are not enough.Capsule endoscopy (Small bowel video capsule endoscopy)A test in which you swallow a tiny disposable camera in a capsule that takes pictures as it passes through your small bowel, an area hard to reach with other camera tests.Coeliac disease testing and management (Coeliac disease (gluten-sensitive enteropathy): diagnosis and management)Finding out whether long-term symptoms are caused by coeliac disease, an immune reaction to gluten, and then managing it for life with a strict gluten-free diet and regular review.Colonoscopy (Colonoscopy (examination of the large bowel))A test where a thin, flexible camera is passed into the back passage to look at the lining of the whole large bowel, find the cause of symptoms, take samples and remove polyps.Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) (Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), with or without fine needle sampling)A test that combines a flexible camera with an ultrasound scanner on its tip to look closely at the gut wall and nearby organs such as the pancreas, and to take samples if needed.Faecal calprotectin test (faecal calprotectin (stool inflammation marker))A stool (poo) test that measures a protein released when the bowel is inflamed, used mainly to help tell inflammatory bowel disease apart from irritable bowel syndrome.FibroScan (liver scan) (transient elastography (vibration-controlled transient elastography))A quick, usually not painful scan that measures how stiff your liver is, to estimate scarring (fibrosis) and, on most machines, how much fat is in it.Gastroenterology consultation (Gastroenterology specialist consultation)An appointment with a specialist in the digestive system to assess gut, liver or bowel symptoms, work out the likely cause, and plan any tests or treatment.Gastroscopy (Oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) / upper GI endoscopy)A test where a thin, flexible camera is passed through the mouth to look at the lining of the gullet, stomach and the first part of the small bowel, find the cause of symptoms and take samples.Hydrogen breath test (hydrogen and methane breath test (for SIBO, lactose or fructose intolerance))A simple breath test that looks for extra hydrogen or methane gas to help work out whether you have a sugar you cannot digest well, or too many bacteria in your small bowel.Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's / colitis) management (management of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis))The long-term medical care used to control inflammation in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, aiming to settle flares, keep the bowel in remission and reduce complications.Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) management (management of irritable bowel syndrome)The combination of diet, lifestyle, medicines and sometimes psychological therapies used to control the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a long-term but non-damaging gut condition.Oesophageal manometry (Oesophageal manometry (high-resolution oesophageal manometry))A test that measures how well the muscles of the gullet squeeze and how the valve into the stomach works, used to investigate swallowing problems and to plan treatment such as anti-reflux surgery.Reflux (GORD) and heartburn management (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and dyspepsia: management)Non-surgical care for acid reflux and heartburn, using lifestyle changes and medicines to control symptoms, protect the gullet and decide when tests or referral are needed.
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