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Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Assessment of Uninvestigated Esophageal Dysphagia

Liu LWC, Andrews CN, Armstrong D, Diamant N, Jaffer N, Lazarescu A, Li M, Martino R et al.

Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology, 2018

34 citations

Abstract

Background and aims: Our aim is to review the literature and provide guidelines for the assessment of uninvestigated dysphagia.

Methods: A systematic literature search identified studies on dysphagia. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Statements were discussed and revised via small group meetings, teleconferences, and a web-based platform until consensus was reached by the full group.

Results: The consensus includes 13 statements focused on the role of strategies for the assessment of esophageal dysphagia. In patients presenting with dysphagia, oropharyngeal dysphagia should be identified promptly because of the risk of aspiration. For patients with esophageal dysphagia, history can be used to help differentiate structural from motility disorders and to elicit alarm features. An empiric trial of proton pump inhibitor therapy should be limited to four weeks in patients with esophageal dysphagia who have reflux symptoms and no additional alarm features. For patients with persistent dysphagia, endoscopy, including esophageal biopsy, was recommended over barium esophagram for the assessment of structural and mucosal esophageal disease. Barium esophagram may be useful when the availability of endoscopy is limited. Esophageal manometry was recommended for diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders, and high-resolution was recommended over…

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