Gastroscopy
What is a gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy, also known as upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, is a medical procedure using a thin flexible tube (endoscope) with a light and camera which is inserted through your mouth into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum to visually inspect for any abnormalities such as ulcers, gastritis or injury from acid reflux disease. This procedure is usually performed by a highly trained gastroenterologist. The endoscope used during this procedure can also extract tissue samples, or biopsies, for further analysis at a laboratory by a pathologist. Photographs, or video recordings may be taken to document findings for your medical records and to provide copies for other physicians involved in your care. Gastroscopy can also be utilized to cauterize actively bleeding ulcers or for other endoscopic treatments.
Normal Small Bowel
Why is this procedure performed?
There are a number of medical conditions and symptoms for which gastroscopy can be the procedure of choice for making a diagnosis. Patients with persistent indigestion or heartburn, stomach pain, trouble swallowing, anemia, nausea and vomiting, unexplained bleeding or other symptoms may be referred for gastroscopy. Because this procedure is recognized as a safe and rapid method of allowing a physician to visually examine your upper GI tract, it is often used in place of traditional X-rays. Gastroscopy can be utilized to detect a variety of gastrointestinal abnormalities, such as the source of bleeding, peptic ulcers, abnormal growths or cancers, infections, inflammation, narrowing or strictures of the esophagus, and hiatal hernias. It is also used to monitor Barrett’s Esophagus, a condition that may progress to esophageal cancer over time. Because the physician can take photos, videos or tissue samples during the procedure, gastroscopy offers valuable information in making a correct and complete diagnosis of you medical condition.
-- What to Expect During Your Gastroscopy Procedure
|
