GASTROSCOPY

Gastroscopy is a procedure that involves examining the upper gastrointestinal system, including the bowel, stomach, and upper esophagus, to rule out or confirm the presence of medical diseases, such as gastritis and stomach ulcers.

At one end of the endoscope, there is a camera and a light. The camera transmits pictures of your duodenum, stomach, and esophagus to a display.

Why Is Gastroscopy Done?

This procedure is often used to:

  • Look into issues like dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) or continuous stomach discomfort.
  • Diagnose gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or stomach ulcers, which cause acid reflux or heartburn.
  • Treat conditions, such as non-cancerous growths (polyps), esophageal blockages, or bleeding ulcers.

Are There Any Risks That May Occur During This Procedure?

Gastroscopy is often a safe procedure. However, unusual complications during its administration may include the following:

Tearing. This complication involves the tearing of a part of your esophagus or any part of your gastrointestinal tract. In order to treat this complication, hospitalization or surgery may be needed. Nevertheless, the chances of having this complication are very rare.

Bleeding. If your gastroscopy necessitates the removal of a piece of tissue for biopsy, the chances of bleeding after your procedure will likely increase.

Infection. This complication likely occurs when other procedures are also conducted along your gastroscopy.

Furthermore, this procedure may be sedating. Sedation may cause irregular heart rhythms and trouble breathing. Its responses may be severe in people with serious cardiac disease. Complications are typically prevented by giving oxygen and monitoring the blood oxygen level.

If you prefer not to be sedated for this procedure, please let the doctor know before you arrive.

The Gastroscopy’s Procedure

The operation for gastroscopy takes around 15 minutes total. However, it might take longer for certain cases. Nevertheless, it’s usually performed as an outpatient procedure, which means that you won’t have to remain in the hospital overnight.

Moreover, a topical anesthetic spray will numb your neck before the surgery. If you like, you may take a sedative. You’ll be alert but sleepy and less aware of what’s going on.

Your doctor will instruct you to swallow the first part of the endoscope once it has been inserted into your mouth. It will then be directed to your stomach.

Furthermore, the operation usually is not painful; however, it might give you discomfort at times.

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