Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is an out-patient procedure in which a camera is used to visualize the inside of the esophagus, stomach and part of the small intestine. Gastroscopy is used to screen for cancer as well as to investigate GI problems such as gastritis or bleeding.
Why get a Gastroscopy ?
Gastroscopy is used to investigate and diagnose upper GI problems.
Indications for Gastroscopy:
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Cancer screening
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Nausea, vomiting
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Abdominal pain
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Difficulty swallowing
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Bleeding
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Diarrhea
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Anemia
Before Gastroscopy
No food or drink for 8 hours. Some patients may be asked to stop certain medications such as aspirin.
During Gastroscopy
The procedure is performed by a board certified specialist physician who uses a colonoscope, a long, thin flexible camera tube placed into the mouth and down passed the stomach to the first part of the small intestine. Typically the patient is lightly sedated and sleeping comfortably. If a suspicious lesion or polyp is found, a painless biopsy removal may have to be done. H.Pylori testing can be done.
After Gastroscopy
Once fully awake and recovered from the sedation, the patient can meet with the physician to discuss findings.