Gastroscopy, commonly referred to as upper endoscopy, is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) is used to look into the stomach and oesophagus. This procedure involves inserting a tube into the mouth and guiding it into the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum so the patient can observe these areas. The endoscope has a video camera and light that sends live footage to a screen for the doctor to examine.

Indigestion, nausea, and swallowing problems are some reasons people undergo gastroscopy. Inflammation, sores, polyps, and other growths can all be revealed. Sometimes doctors will use gastroscopy to treat things like bleeding ulcers, dilate a constricted oesophagus, or remove a foreign object from the digestive tract. Doctors can remove polyps and take tissue samples (biopsies) from anything suspicious.

Who Needs Gastroscopy?

If you are experiencing the following signs and symptoms, a gastroscopy may be recommended:

• Constant heartburn or bloating.
• Stomach acid reflux that keeps coming back.
• Discomfort in the upper abdomen (abdomen).
• Continually falling ill (vomiting).
• Issues with swallowing.

Other signs and symptoms were thought to come from the upper gut.

The following are examples of the kinds of conditions that can either be confirmed or ruled out:

• Oesophagitis is an inflammation that affects the gullet, often known as the oesophagus. The lining of the oesophagus will have regions of redness, which the operator will observe.
• Stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer. An ulcer looks like a small, red hole on the inside of the stomach or on the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine.
• The stomach’s inflammation and duodenum’s inflammation (also known as duodenitis).
• Cancer of the stomach and oesophagus.

Why a Gastroscopy is Done

• A gastroscopy can diagnose the source of your digestive problems, help with some medical issues, and even screen for cancer.
• The root of your abdominal pain
• In order to determine the root of your digestive issues, a gastroscopy can be performed.
• Discomfort or pain during swallowing (dysphagia)
• Symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or both that persist despite the use of treatment options for the underlying cause (such as indigestion, heartburn, or stomach discomfort)
• Bloody Diarrhea
• The contents of your bowel movements resemble tar in color and texture (there may be blood in it from your stomach)

Treating problems

• In some cases, a gastroscopy can be utilized as a means of treating digestive issues. Gastric endoscopy can aid in:
• If you have trouble swallowing or experience pain when trying to do so because of a narrow oesophagus, you may want to get it widened.
• Suppress the internal bleeding happening in your stomach or oesophagus.
• If you have abnormal growths and you can’t eat normally, try feeding to get rid of them (a gastroscopy can help doctors place a feeding tube into your stomach)

Checking for cancer

• Cancers that can be detected with the help of a gastroscopy include:
• Tumors in the stomach
• Cancer of the oesophagus Oesophageal cancer occurs in the tube that runs from your mouth to your stomach.

It is possible to collect a tissue sample from the stomach or oesophagus during a gastroscopy. A biopsy is a medical term for this procedure.

Tips Before Having a Gastroscopy

If you are going to have a gastroscopy done, you will need to fast beforehand so the doctor can see everything correctly and so you don’t throw up during the procedure. Before the process, you should not consume any food or liquids for six hours; your physician will review the specifics before the treatment. It would be best if you also discussed with your doctor the appropriate time of day to take any regular medications and whether you suffer from any allergies or other illnesses.