Topic: “routine endoscopies” may cause 2,000 deaths a year
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- While this essay is about a bigger picture - and something we all might give voice to regarding the bill the author mentions and contacting our representatives and senators
[though no specific bill or bill number was stated & my energy can't hunt that down. One would start with the author's name, searching for other writings of his on the issues -- as well as considering from other sources all sides / full picture & ramifications].
two very striking points here that I did not want to get lost:
1. Secrets kept from us: we just don't have access to the information that we require to be informed prior to making decisions that affect our bodies (our very lives) & our wallets &
2. “routine endoscopies” may cause 2,000 deaths a year.
By Jamie Kaofman - Opinion, SundayReview / The New York Times - June 3, 2017
. . . [doctors in medical specialty groups] are also lobbyists, charged with maximizing the incomes of member doctors by influencing pricing decisions made by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Those prices become the benchmarks for private health insurance companies, too. . . .
. . . Sedated endoscopy, for example, which is used by gastroenterologists to treat conditions like acid reflux and to perform colonoscopies, carries significant risks of adverse effects, including mortality.
Joan Rivers’s death from the procedure was not a one-in-a-million complication.
Reported death rates vary considerably, but one rigorous study suggests that the death rate is 1 in 9,000. Since approximately 18 million sedated endoscopies are done each year in the United States, “routine endoscopies” may cause 2,000 deaths a year.
And yet, for acid reflux, there is a safer, cheaper and equally accurate procedure available called transnasal endoscopy; unfortunately, doctors rarely employ it, presumably because it doesn’t pay as well. . . .
. . . Finally, the bill would create an online database, reporting all physician conflicts of interest, as well as information on how many procedures each doctor performs, with related morbidity and mortality data. . . .
[Full essay at link above. It contains several points of action to remedy some of issues pointed out, including moderating the fees of specialist services and better supporting general practice.
A key point seems to be the public access to information for decision making.] -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
Wow, thank you for posting this, Keebler!!
I knew that there were mostly unreported problems with endoscopies in general, but this article, and more on this doctor's website, is eye-opening.
My husband was scheduled for an upper endoscopy for a chronic cough, which in the past was from GERD. He cancelled it, due to too much work, and I was on his case to get it checked, to make sure that he doesn't develop cancer from it, which can happen.
I believe that he has had the much less invasive test in the past. I will make sure that that is what he has, not the endoscopy!!
He is also supposedly due soon for a colonoscopy (routine check-up), but . . not so sure from what I've read. In spite of the fact that we have a top-notch GI doctor who does not do more than is necessary.
I have never had a colonoscopy, because I've always done colon cleansing, etc. and did't feel that I needed it. But now, since I'm dealing with breast cancer : - ( I am thinking that i should do it to make sure. Hmmm, I don't know. I am usually extremely cautious about doing anything invasive unless absolutely necessary.
As it is, I am NOT going the oncology route. I'm treating it naturally, as I've taught my clients to do for decades. And I reduced the size of the tumor by almost 2/3 in 3 1/2 months. Is it easy? No, but it sure beats the alternatives IMO for me anyway.
Posts: 3771 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- For anyone looking to diagnostics for various GI issues,
there are ways to search for the issues around scopes so one knows what to ask for and then how to communicate with the site regarding their equipment types and sterilization processes.
Medications are also involved in some of the bad outcomes, though. And that can vary with individuals.
While some procedures may not be necessary (or at least not until some other steps considered, such as first changing one's diet for esophagus, gut and even colon issues as very often diet changes may solve the problem),
there are some times when specific scope diagnostics may identify something that leads to saving a life. As with all things medical, though, education about all aspects matters.
There is a peace of mind in doing one's homework - &/ or finding those solid organizations who have paved the way to help us with stepping stones to be sure all sterilization is in order and that the correct equipment is used.
Some scope models are just nearly impossible to sterilize yet they may still be in use in some places. But go back to the stepping stones and don't jump the gun. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Thanks for the head's up Keebler! Good info to have.
posted
My gi doc didn't even offer the transnasal option. Had to go to an ENT to get it done.
And ins wouldn't cover it, but would cover the more invasive one, go figure...
Posts: 857 | From northern california | Registered: Dec 2009
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