Description

Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) is a test where a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end (gastroscope or endoscope) is placed in your mouth and passed into the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum). This enables the physician to observe the lining of the organs and detect any abnormalities. Purpose and Use of Gastroscopy: 1) Diagnosis: The diagnosis of various ailments such as ulcers, gastritis, Barrett’s oesophagus, erosions, growth or cancer, potentially bleeding blood vessels etc. can all be diagnosed instantly with the help of gastroscopy. 2) Biopsy: Small pieces of tissue (biopsies) can be removed during the exam and looked at under the microscope to confirm the diagnosis. Biopsy tissue specimen is also used in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection through RUT or culture and sensitivity test. 3) Therapeutic procedures: Some conditions such as stomach ulcers, strictures, variceal bleeding may be treated or Foreign body & polyps removed through gastroscopy. 4) Bleeding- Good way to identify and control the bleeding in upper digestive system. Procedure Overview of Gastroscopy: A) Sedation: The patient may receive a mild sedative to help him/her relax during the procedure. B) Insertion: The endoscope is gently fed into the mouth, along the oesophagus, and into the stomach and duodenum. C) Visualization: The camera's images will show up on a monitor so the doctor can view the insides of the organs. D) Biopsy (if necessary): When a biopsy is necessary, this procedure involves removing a small section of tissue using an instrument that is inserted through the endoscope. E) Finishing: the endoscope is withdrawn softly and the patient undergoes observation. Preparation for Gastroscopy: a) Not eating and drinking: The patient usually has to abstain from eating and drinking for a period of time, 6-8 hours in general, prior to the examination, and to ensures that the patient does not have any particular disease which require a special consideration or special diseases requiring prolonged fasting or fasting beyond the recommended period. b) Drugs: The medical practitioner will inform which drugs to avoid or take in the lead-up to the procedure. Benefits of Gastroscopy: 1) More accurate than X-rays: Gastroscopy is typically more accurate than X-rays in detecting conditions in the upper digestive tract. 2) Biopsy possibilities: It allows for the taking of tissue samples, which may be essential in diagnosing. 3) Treatments: It is also used to do some treatments as discussed above. Please note that this is for normal information only. For medical consultation and diagnosis contact Dr.Brijendra Singh at Brij Laser And Laparoscopy Centre.