Medstar

Into the mysteries of human body: Gastroscopy Procedure at Medstar Multispeciality Hospital

Undergo stomach aches, nausea, or discomfort while swallowing? Have you lost your appetite because of gastrointestinal issues? Diagnose and treat all of these and many more problems with the help of the Gastroscopy Procedure at Medstar Multispeciality Hospital.

Medical treatment through gastroscopy allows our skilled gastroenterologists to clearly view your internal stomach and upper parts of your small intestine for any anomalies, ulcers, inflammation, or cancer. Our facilities are well equipped to ensure that the treatment is safe and efficient.

About Procedure

The gastroscopy procedure will take 15 to 30 minutes, which will be undertaken with you under sedation for maximum comfort. Our skilled gastroenterologists will:

Gastroscopy Insertion: A thin flexible tube with a camera and light on the tip is inserted through the mouth into the oesophagus and stomach.
Visualisation of Stomach: This allows our gastroenterologists to visualise the inside of the stomach and upper small intestine for abnormalities. in appearance
Take biopsies or polyp removal: If any abnormalities or polyps are found, these can be biopsied or removed in the process.

Recovery

The patient usually experiences mild pain or discomfort, bloating, and gas after the procedure. These symptoms could be controlled appropriately by medication and rest. In most cases, the patients resume their normal lifestyle within 1-2 days after the procedure, and in general, the patient will take a good 3-5 days for full recovery.

FAQ

What is upper endoscopy?

Gastroscopy is also known as upper endoscopy, is used for the examination of the lining of the oesophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). In this diagnostic procedure, a gastroscope attached with a light and a camera is inserted through the mouth of the patient to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract.

What are the complications associated with gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is a safe diagnostic procedure. The patient will experience bloating and sore throat for a couple of hours after the examination. Other rare complications of gastroscopy are:

Perforation of the lining of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.
Bleeding
Abdominal and chest pain
Difficulty in swallowing
Infection
Reaction to sedation

Will I vomit during the procedure?

Inserting gastroscope through the mouth can cause gagging and vomiting. The numbing spray is used to numb the throat and sedation is used to relax the patient for a comfortable experience. Numbing and sedation reduce gagging and vomiting during the procedure. So there is minimal to zero chances of vomit during the procedure.

Can gastroscopy detect cancer?

Yes, gastroscopy is used for both diagnosing and confirming the diagnosis of cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract. It is also used for collecting tissue from the abnormal growth on the inner lining of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It is also used for removing polyps that can turn into cancerous growth.

How to prepare for a gastroscopy examination?

Special instructions are given to the patient before gastroscopy examination for a clear view of the stomach during the procedure and to prevent unwanted complications. Before the examination patient is advised to:

To stop or adjust ongoing medications at least a week before the procedure
Do not eat 6 to 8 hours, and stop drinking 2 to 3 hours before the procedure
Arrange someone to take the patient back home
Do not smoke as tobacco can change the colour of the stomach lining

How much time is needed for recovery?

Gastroscopy is performed under sedation, so after the examination patient has to wait at the clinic till the effect of sedation wears off. The patient is instructed to arrange for someone to drive back home and stay with them for the next 24 hours. The patient will also experience bloating and sore throat for a couple of hours.