What is gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy is a diagnostic procedure that examines the inner surface of the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum). It is performed using a thin fiber-optic instrument called an endoscope (sometimes this test called endoscopy). The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and allows the doctor to see if there are changes or damage to the upper digestive tract, i.e. the above authorities. This is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that often is used in everyday practice.
When is gastroscopy applied?
Gastroscopy can be recommended if you have pain in the upper abdomen, heartburn, difficulty in digestion of food, frequent vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and other symptoms that might originate from the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Conditions that can be affirmative or excluded:
- inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis)
- ulcers of stomach or duodenum
- inflammation of the duodenum (duodenitis)
- gastric inflammation (gastritis)
- cancer of the stomach, esophagus and duodenum
What happens during Gastroscopy?
At the beginning of the procedure the operator applies a local anesthetic in the mouth and throat or gives the patient a mild sedative that will help him to relax.
The patient lies on the side. It Is required to swallow the first part of the endoscope, and then the operator slowly inserts the endoscope through the esophagus into the stomach and duodenum. On top of the endoscope there is a video camera whose images are displayed on a computer. The operator sees on the screen to see if there are abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
Through thin channel of the endoscope, air is inserted in the stomach to stretch, so the operator can see its interior. You may have a feeling that your stomach is full and you need to burp. The operator might take one or more biopsies (small samples from inside the wall of some organs), depending on the indication for which the test is performed and depending on the changes that will run during recording.
Is there any risk?
Gastroscopy is a safe procedure. Although, as all invasive procedures, it comes with a certain risk. Small complications are unusual and big complications are rare.
