Background: It is unclear whether normal endoscopy results in patients investigated for dyspepsia has therapeutic value. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the endoscopy on quality of life and dyspeptic symptoms.
Methods: One hundred ninety-six symptomatic patients (85 men and 111 women, mean age 42.9 years), who were receiving no treatment, were investigated before and 1 week after endoscopy with the use of a battery of validated questionnaires.
Results: Before endoscopy the health-related quality of life was compromised in comparison with a normal population, but 1 week after a negative endoscopy it is increased to a level which was close to the normal range despite no major change in symptoms. Physical activity and sleep scores improved significantly after endoscopy.
Conclusion: The present results suggest that a negative endoscopy improves quality of life in the short-term in patients with dyspepsia, even though symptoms may persist.