Examination of the digestive system. What methods exist for examining the gastrointestinal tract, and how is diagnosis carried out? Tests and studies that complement intestinal ultrasound

The purpose of examinations of the gastrointestinal tract is based on the symptoms presented by the patient, and for the purpose of monitoring and preventing diagnosed chronic gastrointestinal diseases. Indications for diagnostic procedures may include: difficult and painful digestion (dyspepsia), regular nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain, suspicion of cancer.

Today, 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 mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum, and make the only correct diagnosis. The difficulty 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 promptly diagnose this or that pathology. In addition to the vegetative prejudice to FGDS, there are a number of contraindications to its implementation: a history of impaired hemostasis (blood clotting), bronchial asthma, gag hyperreflex.

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

Easy diagnostics

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 measures are carried out at a doctor’s appointment, the results depend on the qualifications of the medical specialist. The complex includes:

• studying the anamnesis, assessing symptoms from the patient’s words;
• visual examination of mucous membranes;
• feeling painful areas of the body (palpation);
• palpation in a specific body position (percussion).

Based on the results obtained from such an examination, it is extremely difficult to diagnose the disease. The doctor may suspect the presence of pathology, but more in-depth research methods are needed to confirm it.

Microscopic laboratory diagnostics

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

Blood sampling for clinical analysis is carried out from a finger

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

Application of hardware techniques

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

• X-ray examination (using contrast);
• CT and MRI (computer and magnetic resonance imaging);
• EGG (electrogastrography) and EGEG (electrogastroenterography);
• Ultrasound (ultrasound examination).

During a gastric examination using a hardware method, all manipulations are performed without direct intervention in the body, without damaging the external tissues of the body (non-invasive). 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, exposure to X-rays that is unsafe for health, and 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 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 image, which makes it possible to detect possible pathologies.

X-ray helps in determining the following changes:

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

CT scan

Essentially, this is the same X-ray, only modified, with expanded diagnostic capabilities. The examination is carried out after first filling the stomach with liquid for a clearer view.

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

The imperfection of diagnosis consists in the patient's exposure to X-rays, possible allergic reactions to contrast, as well as the inability of CT to fully and in detail study the digestive tract, since its hollow tissues are difficult to diagnose using CT. The procedure is not performed on women during the perinatal period.

MRI

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

• body weight 130+;
• the presence in the body of metal medical supplies (vascular clips, pacemaker, Ilizarov apparatus, prosthetic inner ear implant);
• quite high cost and inaccessibility to peripheral hospitals.

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

EGG and EGEG

Using these methods, the stomach and intestines are assessed during peristaltic contractions. A special device reads impulses of electrical signals that come from organs when they contract during the digestion of food. It is practically not used as an independent study. Used only as an auxiliary diagnostic. The disadvantages are the long time period of the procedure (about three hours) and the inability of the electrical device to detect other gastrointestinal diseases.

Ultrasound

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

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

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

It is advisable to carry out an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs 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 and to collect tissue for further laboratory analysis (biopsy).

Addition to hardware diagnostics

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

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

Alternative endoscopy

The closest to FGDS in terms of information content is capsule endoscopy. The examination is carried out without swallowing the probe, and at the same time 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 digestive disorders;
• 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 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 enough water. The video camera data is transmitted to a device installed on the patient’s waist, from which the doctor takes readings after 8–10 hours. At the same time, the rhythm of a person’s usual life does not change.

Capsule for endoscopic examination of the stomach

The capsule is removed naturally during bowel movements. Significant disadvantages of the technique include: the inability to perform a biopsy, the extremely high cost of the examination. All methods of diagnosing the gastrointestinal tract involve preliminary preparation of the body. First of all, this concerns nutritional correction.

The diet should be lightened a few days before the examination. Hardware procedures can only be performed 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 therefore maximum accuracy of diagnosis, remains with FGDS.

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

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

Why examine the intestines?

The intestines are susceptible to a large number of diseases. These include inflammatory processes, damage, congenital anomalies, benign and malignant tumors. Therefore, timely diagnosis allows timely treatment to begin and prevent further development of the disease.

Typically, the main symptoms of intestinal diseases are:

• bowel disorder – frequent bowel movements or retention;
• pain in the abdomen or anus;
• the presence of mucus or blood in the stool;
• flatulence;
• vomiting, nausea;
• weakness, poor health.

Such symptoms are a reason to consult a doctor and undergo further examination.

What methods of intestinal examination exist?

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 using methods such as:

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

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, based on the time of its arrival in the intestinal sections, as well as on 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, and stop bleeding. With this procedure, it is possible to take tissue for a biopsy for further examination for malignant tumors.

Ultrasound examination of the intestine 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 condition of the intestine, the presence of tumors, inflammation, ulcers, narrowings 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 records information about the work of these parts, the condition of the mucous membrane and the presence of pathologies. This information is then processed by a specialist and a diagnosis is made. In this case, the patient leads a normal lifestyle. The enterocapsule is excreted from the body naturally.

It is better to prevent the disease

Today, there are many methods for diagnosing intestinal diseases that can detect the disease at an early stage or even prevent its occurrence. If desired, you can carry out paid, wherein Prices intestinal examination in Moscow are very affordable.

This article does not constitute medical advice and should not serve as a substitute for consultation with a physician.

After 30 years, the aging process begins in the body - metabolism slows down, the body does not easily tolerate strict diets or, conversely, overeating.

In our youth, we often take our health rather lightly and go to the doctor only when the disease has already made itself felt. It is not right. And the older you get, the more important it is to change this approach to your health. It is necessary to carefully monitor all body systems, including the gastrointestinal tract. Elena Igorevna Pozharitskaya, a gastroenterologist at the Semeynaya clinic network, spoke about how to properly examine the gastrointestinal tract after 30 years.

After 30 years, the aging process begins in the body - metabolism slows down, the body does not easily tolerate strict diets or, conversely, overeating. The risk of stomach diseases increases. And, as you know, a disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Therefore, after 30, it is important to undergo regular examinations of the gastrointestinal tract in order to promptly identify the risks of certain pathologies.

Gastrointestinal examinations

Here are 4 gastrointestinal examinations that need to be done after 30 years of age:

1. Ultrasound– the simplest, non-invasive, but still informative examination. Using ultrasound, you can evaluate the condition of the spleen, pancreas, gallbladder and liver. Ultrasound will help identify diseases such as liver cirrhosis, cholecystitis, the presence of gallstones, cysts, neoplasms, abnormalities in the structure of organs, internal injuries of the abdominal organs, as well as a number of certain chronic disorders.

The presence of gases in the stomach can interfere with the quality of the ultrasound examination, therefore, 1 day before the procedure, it is important to avoid foods that increase gas formation and cause bloating (legumes, bread, flour, sweets, raw vegetables and fruits containing fiber, sauerkraut, milk, carbonated drinks, alcohol). The last meal should be taken no later than 5-6 hours before the test. You can do an ultrasound as often as necessary for health reasons. For a routine inspection, it is enough to do it once a year.

2. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy- examination of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum using a gastroscope (it is inserted through the mouth), which is used if erosion or ulcer is suspected, and also often helps to clarify the presence of diseases of neighboring organs - the pancreas and gall bladder. The examination, like others, is carried out on an empty stomach; to facilitate insertion of the gastroscope, local anesthesia is used - irrigation of the mucous membrane with anesthetics.

- a method that allows you to measure acidity directly in the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, to diagnose the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux), as well as reflux from the duodenum into the stomach. If these conditions are prolonged, then this can lead to the development of inflammation of the esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and the reflux of bile into the stomach can lead to erosions and even ulcers.

4. Colonoscopy– examination of the rectum and colon using an endoscope. This procedure is invasive and is prescribed by a doctor when other diagnostic methods have been exhausted. During this study, the doctor can not only “live” see the condition of the colon mucosa, but also take a piece of tissue to confirm the diagnosis. It is enough to undergo once every 5 years after 50 years in the absence of risk factors. Colonoscopy after 30 years for healthy patients is recommended if there are clear indications, such as: cancer of the colon in first-degree relatives under the age of 40, hereditary polyposis of the colon. Inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis, have a characteristic clinical picture and if a doctor suspects this pathology, to confirm the diagnosis, they initially use non-invasive diagnostic methods prescribed by the doctor; if the results of these methods are positive, a colonoscopy is performed to determine the extent of the lesion , morphological research. 72 hours before the procedure, it is necessary to exclude fatty foods, legumes, sweets, coffee, foods rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables), milk, and cereals from the diet. It is better to give preference to liquid foods and drink a lot. A light snack is possible 1.5 hours before the test.

Watch your health!

Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist

Be sure to consult a qualified specialist in the field of gastrointestinal diseases at the Semeynaya clinic.

To identify gastrointestinal pathologies in modern medicine, various 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 in making a correct diagnosis, since pathologies are common in people of all ages and can lead to serious consequences. Indications for intestinal examination are:

A stomach check is prescribed in the following cases:

• internal bleeding;
• gastritis (acute or chronic);
• pancreatitis;
• malignant formations;
• gallstones;
• stomach or duodenal ulcers;
• pain of unknown etiology;
• nausea, dry or bitter 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 organs or deviations in functioning.

Methods for diagnosing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Thanks to modern techniques, defect detection is now possible with minimal error. Standard tests 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 sufficient; in complex 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:

• dullness and roughness of the skin;
• pallor of the integument and deterioration of its 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, these symptoms are unusual for him. The examination allows you to make a preliminary diagnosis. If one of the signs is detected, the doctor performs superficial or deep palpation. The specialist presses on the stomach, moving upward from the groin area. In a healthy person, the muscles do not tense too much and there is no pain. Deep palpation is carried out in the area of ​​discomfort.

A rectal examination is necessary to examine the anus and determine its functionality. The procedure is performed by a proctologist, assessing the presence of fissures, hemorrhoids, and polyps.

Analyzes and laboratory tests

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

• general blood test (performed in the morning, on an empty stomach);
• examination of stool for the presence of protozoa;
• examination of stool for worm eggs;
• microflora analysis (for dysbacteriosis);
• coprogram (comprehensive check of stool for changes in color, smell, shape, 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 parts of the gastrointestinal tract. How can you check your stomach and intestines? The following methods are relevant for the examination:

Radiation diagnostics

Patients may be offered non-invasive radiation examinations to help make 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 is there.

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

To identify gastrointestinal pathologies in modern medicine, various 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 in making a correct diagnosis, since pathologies are common in people of all ages and can lead to serious consequences. Indications for intestinal examination are:

A stomach check is prescribed in the following cases:

• internal bleeding;
• gastritis (acute or chronic);
• pancreatitis;
• malignant formations;
• gallstones;
• stomach or duodenal ulcers;
• pain of unknown etiology;
• nausea, dry or bitter 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 organs or deviations in functioning.

Methods for diagnosing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Thanks to modern techniques, defect detection is now possible with minimal error. Standard tests 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 sufficient; in complex 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:

• dullness and roughness of the skin;
• pallor of the integument and deterioration of its 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, these symptoms are unusual for him. The examination allows you to make a preliminary diagnosis. If one of the signs is detected, the doctor performs superficial or deep palpation. The specialist presses on the stomach, moving upward from the groin area. In a healthy person, the muscles do not tense too much and there is no pain. Deep palpation is carried out in the area of ​​discomfort.

A rectal examination is necessary to examine the anus and determine its functionality. The procedure is performed by a proctologist, assessing the presence of fissures, hemorrhoids, and polyps.

Analyzes and laboratory tests

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

• general blood test (performed in the morning, on an empty stomach);
• examination of stool for the presence of protozoa;
• examination of stool for worm eggs;
• microflora analysis (for dysbacteriosis);
• coprogram (comprehensive check of stool for changes in color, smell, shape, 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 parts of the gastrointestinal tract. How can you check your stomach and intestines? The following methods are relevant for the examination:

Radiation diagnostics

Patients may be offered non-invasive radiation examinations to help make 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 is there.

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