Role of nurses in gastrointestinal endoscopy

Currently, gastrointestinal endoscopy aids diagnosis and allows minimally-invasive therapeutic techniques to replace more aggressive interventions such as surgery. These advances have reduced mortality and hospital stay in patients with gastrointestinal disorders undergoing these procedures. Nursing professionals who work in endoscopy units, in addition to providing patients with the care required before, during and after the procedure, should have specific training to be able to carry out their duties in these units and to be able to manage the materials and equipment required, so that they may contribute to the success of these procedures. The specific knowledge and the development of the functions of these nurses aims to establish a close collaboration with the endoscopist to minimize the complications of the technique, reduce the patient's potential anxiety, and improve the applicability and results of gastrointestinal endoscopy. (C) 2008 Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.