Is upper gastrointestinal endoscopy indicated in asymptomatic patients with a positive fecal occult blood test and negative colonoscopy?
Bini EJ; Rajapaksa RC; Valdes MT; Weinshel EH 1999 Jun;106(6):613-618, American journal of medicine PURPOSE: There are no recommendations as to whether endoscopic evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract is indicated in asymptomatic patients who have a positive fecal occult blood test and a negative colonoscopy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All asymptomatic patients with a positive fecal occult blood test who were referred for diagnostic endoscopy were identified. Patient charts, endoscopy records, and pathology reports were reviewed. RESULTS: During the 5-year study period, 498 asymptomatic patients with a positive fecal occult blood test and negative colonoscopy were evaluated. An upper gastrointestinal source of occult bleeding was detected in 67 patients (13%), with peptic ulcer disease being the most common lesion identified (8%). Four patients were diagnosed with gastric cancer and 1 had esophageal carcinoma. In addition, 74 patients (15%) had lesions that were not considered a so
