Gastroscopy
General SurgeryGastroenterology Hepatology
Gastroscopy, or Endoscopy or OGD, is a medical examination method. It involves inserting a flexible and bendable fibre-optic scope (endoscope) through the patient's mouth and entering the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum to examine the condition of these organs.
Uses of Gastroscopy
The primary function of gastroscopy is to assist doctors in diagnosing or treating diseases in the upper gastrointestinal tract of patients.
Diagnosing Diseases
Gastric Ulcers and Duodenal Ulcers | Direct observation of ulcer location, size, and severity. |
Gastritis | Examining whether the gastric mucosa is inflamed and the extent of inflammation. |
Oesophageal Inflammation | Checking for damage or inflammation in the oesophagus, such as esophagitis or oesophageal diverticulum. |
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) | Observing the valve functioning between the oesophagus and stomach. |
Gastric or Oesophageal cancer | Detecting and evaluating potential tumours, polyps, abnormal blood vessels, or other abnormal lesions. |
Therapeutic Procedures
Biopsy Sampling | Through gastroscopy, doctors can directly obtain tissue samples for biopsy, confirming and assessing the severity of diseases. |
Surgery | Gastroscopy can also be used for therapeutic procedures, such as removing excess tissue or stopping bleeding. |
Gastroscopy Procedure
- Preparation
Patients must fast in advance, typically not eating for six to eight hours before the examination. Doctors may advise stopping certain medications, especially anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.
- Anesthesia and Sedation:
Local anaesthesia may be applied to the throat with a throat spray to alleviate discomfort. Sedation, either orally or intravenously, is commonly used as needed.
- Insertion of Endoscope:
The endoscope is inserted through the mouth, navigating the oesophagus into the stomach and duodenum. Patients may be asked to swallow the scope to facilitate its smooth passage.
- Examination and Treatment:
The doctor observes the condition of the organs during the examination and performs therapeutic procedures as necessary.
When to Consider Gastroscopy?
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