Peer-review started: July 31, 2016
First decision: September 2, 2016
Revised: November 12, 2016
Accepted: January 11, 2017
Article in press: January 14, 2017
Published online: March 28, 2017
Acute upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding, enteral feeding, cecostomy tubes and luminal strictures are some of the common reasons for gastroenterology service. While surgery was initially considered the main treatment modality, the advent of both therapeutic endoscopy and interventional radiology have resulted in the paradigm shift in the management of these conditions. In this paper, we discuss the patient’s work up, indications, and complementary roles of endoscopic and angiographic management in the settings of gastrointestinal bleeding, enteral feeding, cecostomy tube placement and luminal strictures. These conditions often require multidisciplinary approaches involving a team of interventional radiologists, gastroenterologists and surgeons. Further, the authors also aim to describe how the fields of interventional radiology and gastrointestinal endoscopy are overlapping and complementary in the management of these complex conditions.
Core tip: This paper reviews the current information and dissects the similarities, differences, and complementary roles of gastroenterologists and interventional radiologists in the management of various luminal gastrointestinal conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding, enteral feeding, placement of cecostomy tubes and strictures. We discuss the multidisciplinary approach, indications, contraindications and management of these conditions in an attempt to provide an educational experience for all your esteemed readers.