Gastroscopy
What is gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look at the inside of the upper part of your digestive system. This includes your food pipe (oesophagus), your stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. It is used to help find the cause of symptoms such as ongoing indigestion, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained discomfort in the upper abdomen.
What is the purpose of gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy is a commonly performed routine test. This test may be advised if you have symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn, pain in the upper abdomen, repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or other symptoms thought to be coming from the upper GI tract.
Conditions which can be confirmed (or ruled out) include:
- Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus).
- Duodenal or stomach ulcer.
- Duodenitis (inflammation of the duodenum).
- Barrett’s esophagus.
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach).
- Cancer of the stomach or esophagus.
- Various other rare conditions.
How Is Gastroscopy Done?
During a gastroscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a small camera on the end is gently passed through your mouth and down into your throat and stomach. The camera sends images to a screen so the doctor can carefully examine the lining of your upper digestive system. Air is usually passed through the tube to open the area slightly and make it easier to see clearly.
You may be given a throat spray to numb your throat, and some patients also receive medication to help them feel more relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. If needed, the doctor may take a small tissue sample, called a biopsy, during the test. This helps check for certain conditions more closely.
A gastroscopy is usually a short procedure. Most people may feel some pressure, mild bloating, or the urge to gag at first, but the procedure does not affect your breathing, and your care team will monitor you throughout.
How long does it take?
A gastroscopy usually takes about 10 minutes. However, you should allow at least 2 hours for the whole appointment to prepare, give time for the sedative to work (if you have one). A gastroscopy does not usually hurt, but it can be a little uncomfortable after the procedure.
How to prepare?
Please check our FAQs.
Our team at Promed Endoscopy will get in touch with you before your procedure and inform you of all steps to take before your arrival and what steps to take after your procedure. For any questions please contact info@promedendoscopy.com