Korean J Helicobacter Up Gastrointest Res.  2014 Dec;14(4):242-248. 10.7704/kjhugr.2014.14.4.242.

Endoscopists' Opinions for the Management of Atrophic Gastritis and Intestinal Metaplasia

• Sim EH
• Kim BW
• Kim JH
• Yeum SC
• Park SM
• Kim JS

• KMID: 2305126
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7704/kjhugr.2014.14.4.242

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) are commonly encountered pathologic conditions during gastroscopy in Korea. These conditions were considered as pre-neoplastic lesions in many previous studies. Management and follow-up of these lesions have been performed arbitrarily since there are no standard guidelines. The aim of this study was to investigate the endoscopists' opinions on these conditions using web-based survey.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An e-mail based survey composed of 22 questionnaires related to the clinical and endoscopic management of AG and IM was performed.
RESULTS
These questionnaires were e-mailed to 495 endoscopists and replies were obtained from 168 endoscopists. IM was more commonly diagnosed by histologic evaluation regardless of position, patient care, and experience. Most endoscopists recommended follow up endoscopy annually in IM compared to a 2 year interval in AG. Less experienced endoscopists and endoscopists caring hospitalized patients tended to not eradicate Helicobacter pylori in patients with AG and IM.
CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopists approach to the patients with AG and IM differred according to their position, patient care, and experience. We need new guidelines for the surveillance and management of AG and IM in Korea.

Keyword

Atrophic gastritis; Intestinal metaplasia; Guidelines

MeSH Terms

Electronic Mail
Endoscopy
Follow-Up Studies
Gastritis, Atrophic*
Gastroscopy
Helicobacter pylori
Humans
Korea
Metaplasia*
Patient Care
Surveys and Questionnaires