Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy (also known as gastroscopy, or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy) is the most common and most modern examination of the stomach, oesophagus and duodenum.
It has almost completely replaced the classic gastric X-ray.
In certain cases, for example when the doctor wants to know how the oesophagus is working and how the stomach is emptying, a swallowing X-ray is still performed, but gastroscopy is the most commonly used method for detecting stomach and duodenal ulcers, reflux and other stomach problems.
It reveals lesions on the mucous membranes of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, in particular ulcers, tumours and polyps.
Gastroscopy can also be used to take tissue samples.

The gastroscopy is preceded by a consultation, during which the doctor will find out about your past medical history, your medication habits and any drug sensitivities.
The gastroscopy is carried out by the doctor and an assistant and takes a short time, usually 5-10 minutes.
In addition to a visual diagnosis, a tissue sample may be taken, which is also painless.
To perform a gastroscopy, the patient must lie on his or her left side with the knees drawn up.
With his or her assistance, a flexible tube about the thickness of a finger is inserted into the patient’s oral cavity through a tube inserted between the teeth. The examination instrument used during gastroscopy is called a gastroscope.
The instrument is used to examine the oesophagus, the stomach and the initial part of the duodenum.
The gastroscope uses fibre-optics to transmit the light and the image.
Free space is required for the device to move and to image properly.
Therefore, the doctor blows air into the stomach through one of the channels of the gastroscope during the examination.
If necessary, this air or excess gastric juice can be aspirated.
Through the other thin channel of the device, special forceps can be used to take tiny tissue samples of the suspected lesion during gastroscopy, and to inject an anti-bleeding agent into bleeding ulcers or oesophageal varices, possibly with a rubber ring to stop the bleeding.
The tissue sample taken can be examined under a microscope or a rapid test can be used to detect the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which causes gastritis and ulcers.

The test is done on an empty stomach, usually in the morning or early in the morning.
The patient is usually allowed to eat last the night before the test and should not drink before the gastroscopy.
Smoking increases the production of gastric juice, so smoking should also be avoided before the examination.
The pharynx and oral cavity are usually anaesthetised with Lidocaine spray before the examination, not specifically to avoid pain but to eliminate pharyngeal reflexes (gagging, vomiting).
If you do feel nauseous, you can overcome this by taking deep breaths and sighing.
As the device is not placed in the airway, you will be able to breathe freely.
At the ProctoMed Center, we will give the patient additional pain medication or a sedative injection upon request.
You can discuss your pain relief needs with your doctor before the examination.
Removable teeth must be removed before the examination.

A risk during gastroscopy may be a hole in the oesophagus or stomach wall, but this is very rare.
Bleeding may occur after a tissue biopsy, but we are prepared for any eventuality in our practice.

The test is a little uncomfortable, but not painful.
In our practice, we also offer gastroscopy with anaesthesia to minimise discomfort.