Also referred to as upper endoscopy, gastroscopy is a test to check the upper digestive tract. The procedure is performed using a thin, flexible tube, which is inserted into the patient’s mouth. This test can help diagnose your stomach problems and collect tissues for biopsy.
Read on to learn gastroscopy's meaning, its uses, the procedure for this test, risks and more.
Gastroscopy is a medical procedure involving examining the upper digestive tract through a thin, long tube. To observe, a tube is put into the mouth and passed into the oesophagus, stomach, and first segment of the small intestine (duodenum).
A video camera and light are included in the endoscope, which sends images to the monitor for proper diagnosis.
Now that you know what gastroscopy is, it is essential that you also know how to prepare for the procedure. Go through the following points to know more:
Generally, gastroscopy is performed on an outpatient basis. However, you may also undergo this procedure if you are admitted to a hospital. The gastroscopy procedure is mentioned in the following points:
The entire procedure takes about 15 minutes to finish.
After knowing the procedure, you should know the uses of this test. You will be prescribed a gastroscopy test to diagnose symptoms such as:
A few possible risks may include:
Although these risks are very uncommon, your healthcare provider will be there to guide you if you present with any of these symptoms.
Following the gastroscopy procedure, you could experience some bloating and pain. Typically, this lasts a few hours. If you are not under sedation, you can often go home and continue your daily activities. Before the effects of the local anaesthesia spray wear off, you won't be able to eat or drink. This process takes an hour or so.
If you underwent sedation, you should spend an hour or two in the endoscopic unit recovering. It's possible that you barely recall anything about the test. You must be driven home and spent the night by a friend or relative.