Gastroscopy is an established routine procedure for examining the upper digestive tract. Gastroscopy is essential for diagnosing many diseases. The endoscopic diagnostic instrument is inserted through the mouth into the oesophagus and finally into the stomach.
Here you will find further information and selected doctors for performing a gastroscopy.
During a gastroscopy, the doctor inserts a flexible tube (gastroscope) into the stomach via the mouth. The gastroscope is approx. 1 m long and has a diameter of less than 1 cm. There is a camera at the tip of the gastroscope. The camera image is magnified and displayed in real time on a monitor.
Gastroscopy enables the doctor to examine the mucous membranes
to examine.
The gastroscope has a so-called working channel. Air and fluid can be aspirated and supplied via this channel. It also allows the introduction of
This allows the doctor to take a tissue sample during the examination.
Gastroscopy is usually performed in specially equipped gastroenterology practices (gastrointestinal medicine) or in hospital.
A gastroscopy allows the doctor to view parts of the digestive tract directly from the inside © bilderzwerg / Fotolia
A gastroscopy can be used to clarify a whole range of complaints in the upper digestive area. These include
With a gastroscopy, the doctor can, among other things
can be diagnosed.
The examination can also provide indications of small bowel disease, e.g.
lambliasis. For further examination of the small intestine, capsule endoscopy provides a more precise picture of the tissue condition.
However, gastroscopy is not only used for diagnostic purposes. The doctor can also use it to perform minor surgical procedures, for example to
In contrast to a colonoscopy, a gastroscopy does not require any special preparation. It is usually sufficient to remain fasting on the day of the examination. You can normally drink clear liquids up to two hours before the examination.
It is advisable to refrain from smoking on the day of the examination.
If you are taking anticoagulant medication such as ASA or Xarelto, discuss with your doctor whether you should stop taking them. However, this is often not necessary: a purely diagnostic gastroscopy can also be carried out with anticoagulants.
Immediately before the examination, the throat can be anaesthetized with an anaesthetic spray to minimize the gag reflex. On request, patients can also be given a sedative drug (usually propofol) or a short anesthetic so that they are not consciously aware of the procedure.
The examination itself usually takes no longer than five minutes. The patient lies on their left side. The gastroscope is inserted through the throat into the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.
The video shows camera footage of a real gastroscopy:
As soon as the lowest point is reached, air is passed through the working channel to make the mucous membrane more widely visible. The doctor now inspects the duodenum, stomach and oesophagus.
Tissue samples can be taken using forceps, which are then analyzed. Taking the samples is painless. The samples can either be analyzed immediately using a rapid test , e.g. for colonization with Helicobacter pylori or for lactose intolerance. Otherwise they are sent to a laboratory for further analysis.
Gastroscopy is not usually painful. However, the examination can trigger a gag reflex, which is perceived as unpleasant.
The stretching of the stomach with air can lead to a feeling of fullness and belching. However, these symptoms are only temporary and harmless.
Gastroscopy is a low-risk routine procedure. Serious complications are not to be expected with adequate preparation.
Nevertheless, complications can rarely occur. These include damage to the teeth or the back wall of the throat, which can be caused by the insertion of the device. Injury to the larynx or vocal cords can also occur.
The insertion of the gastroscope and the removal of tissue samples can lead to bleeding. It is very rare for stomach contents to be swallowed, resulting in inflammatory bronchitis or even pneumonia.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
