The role of endoscopy in gastroduodenal obstruction and gastroparesis.

i a i m s s e p s m s b c a This is one of a series of statements discussing the use of GI endoscopy in common clinical situations. The Standards of Practice Committee of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) prepared this text. In preparing this guideline, a search of the medical literature was performed by using PubMed. Additional references were obtained from the bibliographies of the identified articles and from recommendations of expert consultants. Guidelines for appropriate use of endoscopy are based on a critical review of the available data and expert consensus at the time the guidelines are drafted. Further controlled clinical studies may be needed to clarify aspects of this guideline. This guideline may be revised as necessary to account for changes in technology, new data, or other aspects of clinical practice. The recommendations are based on reviewed studies and are graded on the strength of the supporting evidence (Table 1). The strength of individual recommendations is based both on the aggregate evidence quality and an assessment of the anticipated benefits and harms. Weaker recommendations are indicated by phrases such as “We suggest . . .,” hereas stronger recommendations are typically stated s “We recommended . . .” This guideline is intended to be an educational device o provide information that may assist endoscopists in roviding care to patients. This guideline is not a rule and hould not be construed as establishing a legal standard of are or as encouraging, advocating, requiring, or discourging any particular treatment. Clinical decisions in any articular case involve a complex analysis of the patient’s ondition and available courses of action. Therefore, clincal considerations may lead an endoscopist to take a ourse of action that varies from these guidelines.