Gastroenterologist Questions Gastritis

Do I need another endoscopy?

I had an endoscopy ultrasound in Sept. 2018. It showed Mild Chronic Gastritis and a hiatal hernia. I am currently getting Acid Reflux and some stomach burning. Is it necessary for another Endoscopy? This Endoscopy was just 4 months ago.

Male | 63 years old
Complaint duration: 10 years
Medications: Protonix 40mg
Conditions: GERD and Chronic Gastritis

3 Answers

If you had ulcers or other abnormal findings then in some cases a repeat upper GI endoscopy may be necessary to confirm healing.
For mild gastritis only, a repeat EGD isn’t usually necessary, provided the first endoscopy was complete and well-performed.
You might need a repeat endoscopy depending on the severity of your reflux, but there are many variables which might be giving you flares or reflux or some other condition which might be mimicking reflux.
No, it doesn't sound like another endoscopy would be helpful. First, you probably had a regular upper endoscopy (EGD) and not an endoscopic ultrasound. The latter is used to visualize structures outside the walls of the stomach and duodenum and it doesn't sound like you had something like that.

Acid reflux should be fairly easily treated with anti acid pills like Protonix. Lack of improvement can be evaluated further, but should be discussed in clinic. Abdominal pain is more elusive and could be from H. pylori infection or more often dyspepsia or hypersensitivity. A simple follow-up with your GI doc should suffice for now.