Gastroscopy is the test of choice for the diagnosis and investigation of symptoms and diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract (oesophagus, stomach and the initial part of the small intestine). It is a safe, painless and short examination (takes about 10-15 minutes).
To perform gastroscopy, a thin flexible rubber tube (gastroscope) with a thickness of 0.9cm diameter and a camera at its tip is inserted through the mouth and throat into the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum and enables the doctor to obtain a complete and detailed image of the inner surface of the above organs. During the examination, air is blown into the stomach to dilate it for better visualisation of the mucosa and detection of microscopic lesions.
It is the test of choice for the diagnosis of a variety of conditions such as stomach ulcer, oesophagitis, Barrett's oesophagus, the diagnosis of celiac disease as well as for the detection of precancerous and cancerous lesions of the upper digestive tract. When necessary, the doctor may take biopsies. which is safe and painless, from any abnormal areas for further laboratory analysis.
Preparing for the examination
The doctor will take your medical history and look at your tests. Don't forget to mention any respiratory, cardiac, neurological or psychiatric problems, allergies and any medications you are taking. Mention if you have prostate, glaucoma, diabetes and if you are taking aspirin, antiplatelet or blood thinners.
For greater diagnostic accuracy, do not take medicines that reduce stomach acidity (antacids, omeprazole, lansoprazole, etc.) for 2 weeks before the test unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
BEFORE THE EXAMINATION
It is very important that the stomach is empty so that we can detect even small lesions, and to avoid complications during the examination
The patient must fast for at least 6 hours before the test without eating any solid food. Water or other clear liquids (coffee/tea/juice; no milk) may be consumed up to 2 hours before the examination.
- If you are taking anticoagulant medicines do not take your anticoagulant on the day of the test.
- If you are taking medication for diabetes mellitus, do not take any medication while you are fasting before the test. It is a good idea to measure your blood sugar 30 minutes before you come in. If it is too low you can take a candy or drink some juice to avoid any hypoglycaemia.
- All other medicines can be taken with a little water up to 2 hours before the test.
It is recommended that you have an escort during your visit to the clinic since you are not allowed to drive after the test and you will feel slightly dizzy for a few hours after the test in case of intoxication.
ENDOSCOPY ROOM
You will be asked to remove your dentures, if you have them, remove your glasses, loosen your belt and lie down on the examination bed on your left side.
If you wish to be sedated for the test, you will be fitted with a flexible vein catheter in your right arm, which will remain in place throughout the test so that you can be given light sedation (intoxication) if necessary. We will place a blood pressure monitor and oximeter in your arm, through which we will monitor your vital signs (blood pressure/oxygen saturation/ pulse) during the examination.
The doctor will spray your throat with a local anaesthetic (xylocaine) and place a plastic mouthpiece between your teeth to protect your gastroesophagus from possible bite as well as your dentures.
The gastroscope, coated with a lubricant, is then passed through the mouthpiece, through the back of the mouth, into the pharynx and from there into the oesophagus, the stoma and the duodenum. Breathe slowly and deeply through the nose and mouth.
After a few minutes the doctor will withdraw the instrument and remove the mouthpiece. Do not rush to get out of bed on your own, only after the doctor or nursing staff has instructed you to do so. The phlebotomist will remove the phlebotomy tube at the end.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS FROM THE EXAMINATION?
Gastroscopy is a very safe test. Rarely, however, it can cause irritation in the throat that subsides after a few hours. Rarely, aspiration of food or gastric fluids into the lungs is reported, which if accompanied by fever may require antibiotics. Particularly after invasive operations, perforation or bleeding may occur, which usually stops on its own or by endoscopy.
If sedation (intoxication) is given, transient vein irritation, allergy to the intravenous drugs administered and rarely cardiorespiratory complications, especially in patients with pre-existing health problems, may occur.
AFTER THE EXAMINATION
The doctor will give you the results of the test, tell you if he or she took biopsies and when you will get the biopsy results. If necessary, he or she will give you treatment. Ask him or her when you can resume your daily medications. Agree if and when the test will be repeated.
BACK HOME
It is advisable to be accompanied by an adult especially in case of intoxication as you are expected to feel slightly dizzy for a few hours after the test.
If you are intoxicated, you are not allowed to drive, drink alcohol or sign important documents for up to 24 hours after the test.
You can eat or drink something usually 30 minutes to an hour after the end of the test
Do not drink alcohol
