1. What is worth knowing about gastroscopy?

The stomach and the upper part of the intestines are formed by the gullet, the stomach, and the duodenum.

Gastroscopy is an endoscope examination of the stomach and the upper part of the intestines. The video camera in the endoscope transmits an image of the inside of the examined organs.

It is performed by using a 9 mm, flexible fibre-optic instrument that is passed through the mouth and allows the doctor to see whether there is any damage to the lining of the oesophagus (gullet) or stomach, and whether there are any ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, biopsy can also be carried out during the process. The process in not painful but can be unpleasant, it normally takes 5-7 minutes. The endoscopist needs to put some air into the stomach to perform the examination effectively and this can cause discomfort or even nausea.

There might be a ‘lump in the throat’ feeling caused by the anaesthetic.

Complications are very rare with this procedure as long as the patient has undergone a thorough medical analysis.

2. What are gastroscopy good for?

They are good for diagnosing illnesses and they are effective tools to carrying out therapy treatments (e.g. removal of polyps).

The examinations can help in locating inflammations, polyps, and cancers and track down intestinal bleedings, and sources and causes of pains.

The advantage of the procedure is that it provides quick and accurate diagnosis and evidence, delaying the procedure may grow the risk of serious illnesses.

The procedure can also find Helicobacter bacterium which is responsible for the most types of ulcers.

It is also possible to carry out a biopsy, which helps to make accurate diagnoses. The biopsy is not painful, as the patient cannot feel the procedure. The advantage of the procedure is that it provides a quick and accurate diagnosis, and evidence.

We can provide diagnostic examinations on-the-spot, and we can also arrange a biopsy if required.

3. Risks and possible complication of the procedure

• Over-reaction to the medication or sedation injection.
• Injury of the gullet, stomach, duodenum.
• Bleeding or perforation caused by the procedure.
• Epilepsy or heart pace trouble.
• Complication may occur caused by the procedure which needs emergency operation (1 case in every 10,000).

Lidocain gel can be used to anaesthetise the gullet. Dormicum (Midozolam) injection can be used but it can also cause amnesia (in this case the patient will not remember the uncomfortable procedure). Dormicum can only be used after consulting with an expert.

4. Preparation for the examinations

After midnight of the day before the procedure, the patient is only permitted to drink fluids, and must not eat. If the procedure is scheduled in the afternoon, then the patient can drink fluids (e.g. water with sugar to avoid the drop of blood sugar level) but in all cases no fluid-intake is allowed 6 hours before the procedure. People suffering from diabetes should consult their doctor to prepare for the procedure.

5. Post procedure activities

• If the patient receives a sedative injection then he/she cannot drive a car on the day.
• Nausea and tiredness may also occur.
• The patient can leave after a short period of monitoring and only with an accompanying person.
• The patient can not drink or eat in 1 hour after the gullet sedation.

If any unusual symptoms occur after the procedure, we ask you to contact your doctor immediately.