Gastrointestinal Ulcer Diagnosis: Common Auxiliary Examinations

When diagnosing gastric ulcers, doctors often rely on several key auxiliary tests to confirm the condition and determine the most effective treatment plan. These examinations provide valuable insights into the state of the stomach lining and help rule out other potential issues. Below are the most commonly used diagnostic tools in clinical practice.

Gastroscopy is the preferred method for diagnosing gastric ulcers. This procedure allows physicians to directly observe changes in the gastric mucosa and identify ulceration. Moreover, gastroscopy enables endoscopic biopsy, which is crucial for distinguishing between benign and malignant ulcers.

For patients who are elderly or in poor general health and may not be suitable candidates for gastroscopy, barium meal examination serves as an alternative diagnostic approach. While it can reveal structural abnormalities such as ulcers, it does not allow for tissue sampling, making it less definitive than endoscopy.

Testing for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is also essential. Many gastric ulcer cases are associated with H. pylori, a bacterium that contributes to the development of ulcers. If the test result is positive, eradication therapy targeting H. pylori is typically recommended as part of the treatment strategy.

In some cases, gastric function testing may be performed to assess acid secretion and gastrin levels. This helps doctors understand how the stomach is functioning and whether excessive acid production is playing a role in the ulcer formation.

These diagnostic methods, when used together, offer a comprehensive view of the patient's gastrointestinal health and support accurate diagnosis and personalized care.