endoscope numeric markings

Specialties Gastroenterology

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HI. I'm new in this G.I. field. I've been searching the net for information on endoscopes' numeric markings. But can't find any.

Can anyone please tell me what these markings mean. How do I know if the doctor is in the sigmoid, rectum, ascending, descending, transverse colon, esophagus, antrum, or duodenum by just looking at the numeric markings. I can see that the doctors are sometimes looking at the measurements to see how far they are into the intestines. With upper endoscopy, it's easier to distinguish but with colonoscopy.. the colon looks the same to me. Please... I'm really lost here. I'm just starting in this field and any info is GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Do you know of any book that a beginning GI LAb nurse can refer to for information. THANKS.:confused:

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1. Go to http://www.sgna.org That's stands for the Society of GI Nurses and Assiociates. There is lots of info for new Endo nurses there.

2. Start asking the docs where they are and look at the numbers, you will understand after just a few colonosopies.

Good luck - it a great place to work....

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Thanks a lot Judy! I'll try your advice.

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geeceejay, the numerical markings on the scope are guidelines and NOT definitive place markers. After you've been in the field for a while you'll be able to recognize (most of the time, but not always especially in the colon) the anatomical differences. For instance the tissue of the esophagus is usually very pale compared to the pink stomach tissue. You can see the differences when you get to the GE junction or Z-line. The stomach has rugae and is very pink. When you go through the pyloris into the duodenum you'll notice the tissue takes on a velvety nature and the folds are different than in the stomach.

The colon is more difficult but the lumen in the transverse colon typically takes on a triangular shape. When you see the large shadow of the liver you know you're at the hepatic flexure.

The splenic flexure is usually at 50 to 60cm when the scope is straight and not looped...but everyone's anatomy is different so that's not a surefire thing.

The cecum of course has the telltale appendacile (sp) orifice and is visualized after passing the ileocecal valve.

Hang in there. You've probably figured most of this out by now since your post is a month old. It will all become old hat to you soon. And welcome to GI nursing!

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Hi ms. patsue53. Thanks for the helpful info. I see the differences and I agree with you that there are no hard and fast rules as to the markings esp if pt had GI surgeries. Your descriptions are what I actually see. Thank you

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