Work

Retroflexion in the Stomach During Endoscopy: Importance of the Examination and Its Utility

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Endoscopic retroflexion in the stomach is an important diagnostic and therapeutic maneuver that is often underappreciated and underperformed by general endoscopists. Beyond providing a comprehensive visualization of the gastric cardia and fundus, the retroflexed endoscope is key to assessing the esophagogastric junction, identifying diaphragmatic hernias, and assessing wrap integrity after fundoplication. Such evaluation is critical given the ever-rising incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disorder, prevalence of diaphragmatic hernias, and demand for antireflux and antiobesity surgeries. Careful retroflexed inspection of the gastric cardia is also important in Helicobacter pylori infection, junctional cancers, and neoplasia associated with Barrett's esophagus. Retroflexion provides therapeutic options in ablation of Barrett's esophagus and dilation of subtle strictures. We review here the diagnostic and potential therapeutic importance of the retroflexed endoscope.

Source: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1111/nyas.70094

Authors: Kevin Huang, Hiroshi Mashimo

Institutions: Boston University, Harvard University, VA Boston Healthcare System

Language: English

Topic: Gastroesophageal reflux and treatments

Subfield: Gastroenterology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,080