Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is an endoscopic diagnostic procedure used to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract (i.e. the esophagus, stomach and duodenum). In this procedure, a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a camera and light at the end is inserted through the mouth and advanced through the esophagus into the stomach and duodenum. Gastroscopy is used to diagnose and, in some cases, treat various diseases of the digestive system.
Reflux Disease: Detection of damage caused when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
Gastritis and Ulcers: Detection of inflammation or sores (ulcers) in the stomach or duodenum.
Stomach Bleeding: Finding foci of bleeding in the stomach and sometimes stopping the bleeding.
Tumors: Detection of benign or malignant tumors in the stomach, esophagus or duodenum.
Dysphagia: Examination of narrowing or other abnormalities in the esophagus.
Helicobacter pylori: Taking a tissue sample to detect the presence of this bacterium, which is associated with stomach ulcers.
Preparation: The patient needs to fast for several hours before the procedure to keep the stomach empty.
Procedure: The throat is numbed with a local anesthetic spray and sedation may be given. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and the esophagus, stomach and duodenum are visualized.
Biopsy: If necessary, tissue samples can be taken.
Duration: The procedure usually takes 10-20 minutes.
Gastroscopy is usually a safe procedure, but in rare cases complications such as bleeding, infection or perforation of the esophagus, stomach or small intestine can occur.
Persistent or Severe Stomach Pain:
If you experience persistent or severe pain in the stomach area, this may be a sign of gastritis, ulcers or other stomach problems.
People with Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia):
Difficulty swallowing food, a feeling of food getting stuck in the esophagus, stenosis or blockages in the esophagus may require gastroscopy.
Those with Chronic Heartburn and Reflux Complaints:
Persistent heartburn, burning sensation or reflux may indicate a need to examine for esophagitis or more serious problems.
Unexplained Weight Loss or Loss of Appetite:
Sudden weight loss or persistent loss of appetite for no apparent reason can be a sign of serious illnesses such as stomach or esophageal cancer.
Vomiting or Nausea:
Persistent nausea, especially vomiting blood, may indicate digestive system problems.
Upper Digestive System Bleeding:
Symptoms such as blood in the stool and vomiting that looks like coffee grounds are signs of conditions that require an urgent gastroscopy.
Those with a family history of stomach cancer:
In individuals with a family history of stomach cancer, gastroscopy can be performed to assess the risk of stomach cancer.
Diagnosed with Peptic Ulcer or Helicobacter pylori Infection:
People diagnosed with peptic ulcer or receiving treatment for infections such as Helicobacter pylori may undergo gastroscopy to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment or to monitor the condition.
In case of Persistent Symptoms: If you have the symptoms mentioned above and they do not improve for several weeks.
Sudden onset of symptoms: Symptoms such as sudden onset, severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or severe difficulty swallowing may be a sign of an emergency and a gastroscopy may be needed quickly.
No Response to Treatment: If you have received treatment for a previously diagnosed stomach or digestive tract condition and symptoms persist despite treatment, the condition may need to be re-evaluated.
Gastroscopy is an important tool used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and patients are advised to contact their health care provider immediately if there are symptoms that need to be addressed.
