Gastroscopy

Why Is Gastroscopy Performed?

Gastroscopy is often recommended to investigate symptoms or conditions related to the upper digestive tract. Common indications include:

• Persistent heartburn or acid reflux (GERD): To assess the extent of damage to the esophagus.
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): To detect obstructions or narrowing of the esophagus.
• Abdominal pain: To identify the cause of ongoing discomfort.
• Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion: Especially if symptoms are chronic or severe.
• Upper gastrointestinal bleeding: To identify the source of bleeding, which may present as black, tarry stools or vomiting blood.
• Unexplained weight loss or anemia: To rule out underlying conditions.
• Screening for conditions like celiac disease or H. pylori infection.
• Biopsy: To obtain small tissue samples for further evaluation in cases of suspected inflammation, ulcers, or abnormal growths.
• Therapeutic purposes: To treat specific issues such as controlling bleeding, removing polyps, or dilating narrowed areas.

How Is Gastroscopy Performed?

The procedure is typically done in a hospital or clinical setting under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, with sedation, and generally takes about 15–30 minutes. Key steps include:

1. Preparation: You will usually be asked to avoid eating or drinking for 6–8 hours before the procedure to ensure the stomach is empty.
2. Anesthesia/Sedation: A local anesthetic spray may be applied to numb your throat. Most patients also receive intravenous (IV) sedation, which helps you feel relaxed and sleepy—often with no memory of the procedure afterward.
3. Procedure: You will lie on your side, and the doctor will gently insert a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope through your mouth. The endoscope has a camera and light at its tip that transmits images to a monitor. Air may be introduced to gently inflate the digestive tract for better visualization. The physician will carefully examine the inner lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
4. Biopsies or Interventions: If needed, small instruments may be passed through the endoscope to collect tissue samples (biopsies) or perform therapeutic procedures such as polyp removal or bleeding control.
5. Recovery: After the procedure, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area until the sedation wears off. Mild throat discomfort or bloating may occur, but these usually resolve quickly. You will need someone to accompany you home due to the effects of sedation.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits:

• Accurate Diagnosis: Gastroscopy provides a direct, magnified view of the upper digestive tract, allowing for more precise diagnosis than other imaging methods.
• Biopsy: Enables tissue sampling, which is essential for diagnosing conditions such as cancer, inflammation, or infection.
• Therapeutic Potential: Many conditions can be treated during the procedure itself, eliminating the need for separate interventions.

Risks:

Gastroscopy is generally a very safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it carries a small risk of complications. These are rare and may include:

• Perforation: A tear in the wall of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.
• Bleeding: Particularly if a biopsy is taken or a polyp is removed.
• Reaction to sedation: May include nausea, vomiting, or respiratory issues.
• Infection: Extremely rare.

Your doctor will discuss all potential risks and benefits with you prior to the procedure.