Gastroscopy is an internal examination of stomach, oesophagus (gullet) and upper gastrointestinal tract, which is used to confirm or rule out medical condition. It involves a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope.
The endoscope has a camera and a light on one end. A monitor receives views of your oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum from the camera.
An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is another term for the procedure.
A diagnostic gastroscopy is a procedure used to evaluate symptoms or confirm a diagnosis. Here are a few listed uses of gastroscopy:
A therapeutic gastroscopy is one that is performed to treat specific medical conditions like:
For the procedure, your throat will be numbed with a local anesthetic spray. Sedative is always an option that can be chosen. The sedative will make you drowsy and have reduced awareness about what's happening.
The endoscope will be placed in the back of your mouth by the doctor performing the procedure, and you will be asked to swallow the initial part of the tube. After that, it will be guided down your oesophagus and into your stomach.
Time taken for the procedure?
A gastroscopy usually takes less than 15 minutes, though it may take longer if the procedure is being used to treat a problem.
Your doctor will explain the procedure and any danger involved before you have a gastroscopy. This contains instructions on how to make the examination more comfortable by taking medicine. If you take medicine on a daily basis, you should check with your doctor ahead of time to see if and when you should take it on the day of the procedure. Some medications, such as anti-clotting medications, may need to be stopped several days before the gastroscopy. Your doctor will inform you how long you should wait before eating and drinking before the gastroscopy. You will be requested to sign a permission document before to the operation.