Gastroscopy: Diagnostic and How to prepare

Gastroscopy is a vital procedure that allows doctors to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract (GI) with minimal side effects. This article will introduce you to gastroscopy and answer the question of whether you really need them and what you should do to prepare for them.

What is Gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy, also known as upper endoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a medical procedure that allows doctors to visually examine the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine or duodenum, using a gastroscope – a thin, long, and flexible tube that has a light source and a camera at its tip that is inserted through the mouth and guided down the throat to reach the upper GI tract.

Gastroscopy is used to diagnose and evaluate various gastrointestinal conditions. It can aid in the diagnosis of symptoms such as persistent heartburn, swallowing difficulties, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, or unexplained weight loss. It can also be used to screen for specific conditions, detect abnormalities such as ulcers, tumors, inflammation, or polyps, and obtain tissue samples or a biopsy for further investigation.

Applications of Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is being used for three major purposes

Identifying the Cause of Gastrointestinal Symptoms: When people have persistent symptoms like chronic heartburn, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or gastrointestinal bleeding, a gastroscopy is often recommended. Healthcare providers can determine the underlying cause of these symptoms by examining the upper GI tract.

Screening for Gastrointestinal Conditions: Gastroscopy is used to screen for conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and celiac disease. Early detection via gastroscopy can result in timely intervention and better outcomes.

Detection of Abnormalities: Gastroscopy allows healthcare providers to identify abnormalities within the upper GI tract, including inflammation, polyps, tumors, strictures, and varices, through both visual confirmation and tissue biopsy. These findings help in determining the appropriate treatment plan and monitoring disease progression.

Treatment of Abnormalities: Gastroscopy can be used as a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of some upper GI tract problems, such as narrowing of the esophagus, bleeding inside the esophagus or stomach, growths inside the upper GI tract, or as an aid in inserting a feeding tube directly into the stomach.

Do you really need a gastroscopy?

The need for gastroscopy is determined by a number of factors, including your symptoms, medical history, and the recommendation of your healthcare provider. Even gastroscopy can result in minor bleeding, infection, or tears in the GI tract. However, if you have persistent gastrointestinal symptoms or are at risk for certain conditions, your physician may recommend a gastroscopy to help you understand your condition and guide future treatment.

A process of gastroscopy

Adequate preparation is required prior to undergoing a gastroscopy to ensure a successful and comfortable procedure. This usually entails consulting with a healthcare provider, who will provide specific instructions tailored to the needs of each patient. Patients are usually required to fast prior to the procedure to allow for a clear view of the GI tract. Patients may also need to adjust their medication regimen and inform their healthcare provider about their medical history and allergies. 

On the day of the procedure, you will typically be sedated or anesthetized to ensure your comfort. This allows you to relax and reduces any discomfort during the gastroscope insertion. The gastroscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light source, is then guided into the upper GI tract through your mouth. The camera sends images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to see the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

The professionally-trained physician carefully examines the GI tract for abnormalities during the gastroscopy. If any suspicious areas are found, tissue samples may be collected for further examination. These samples can be useful in diagnosing specific conditions or ruling out potential problems. In some cases, additional equipment needed for the treatment would be inserted in the same way, and the gastroscope would be used as a visual aid.

Patients are monitored for a short time after the gastroscopy to ensure their vital signs are stable and to allow the effects of sedation or anesthesia to wear off. Some temporary side effects, such as a sore throat or bloating, may occur, but these are usually minor and resolve quickly. Patients are usually given instructions on how to resume normal activities and any dietary restrictions that may be required. It is critical to follow up with your doctor to obtain test results and, if necessary, additional guidance.

Gastroscopy at Phyathai 1 International

Gastrointestinal and Liver Center of Phyathai 1 International is ready to provide you with a gastroscopy examination that helps you get your gastrointestinal tract deeply examined with minimal side effects within hours. Also, our professional physicians are prepared to deal with any abnormalities found during the examination and are ready to provide you with comprehensive treatment for your conditions.

If you considered annual check-ups on your Gastrointestinal tract, we recommend consulting with our specialist at the Gastrointestinal and Liver Center of Phyathai 1 International, which is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm. To ensure the fastest procedure time, We recommend taking a reservation by phone at number (+66)2-201-4600 ext.2378 or by E-mail at [email protected].