Cytological study of the upper gastrointestinal sediment; its value, as correlated with roentgenologic and clinical findings in the diagnosis of cancer.

Abstract

Since August, 1948, cytological examination of sediment obtained from the upper gastrointestinal tracts of more than 100 patients has been performed at Graduate Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. The data obtained by this procedure in the diagnosis of cancer have been compared with the roentgen interpretations, and each datum, in turn, has been correlated with the clinical, surgical, or autopsy findings. Almost all the patients examined were clinically suspected of having organic disease of the upper gastrointestinal tract and were referred for study by the surgeons or gastroenterologists of Graduate Hospital. These patients were studied by cytological and roentgenologic examinations. PROCEDURE As a preparation for the aspiration of gastric sediment, the patients were requested to fast for eight hours. A 16 F. Rehfuss tube, containing additional perforations in its distal 6 cm. to facilitate more complete aspiration, was passed, with fluoroscopic guidance. When gastric sediment was to be examined,