Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is an endoscopic examination that allows for the inspection of the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
It is performed by inserting a thin, flexible tube (gastroscope) with a diameter of up to 1 cm, which has a camera and a light source at its end, through the mouth. The tube is then advanced sequentially through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This allows for the examination of the mucosa and also provides the opportunity to take biopsies for histological analysis and to perform various therapeutic procedures such as hemostasis, polypectomy, dilation of strictures, and removal of foreign bodies.
Gastroscopy is not a painful procedure, but to ensure the best cooperation from the patient and to minimize discomfort, it is usually performed with mild sedation (twilight anesthesia), either administered by the gastroenterologist or in collaboration with an anesthesiologist, with continuous monitoring of vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation). The duration of a simple diagnostic gastroscopy generally does not exceed 5-10 minutes. The patient should fast for at least 6-8 hours before the examination and avoid drinking water or other fluids 2 to 3 hours prior to the procedure to ensure the stomach is empty. This facilitates a more satisfactory examination of the upper digestive tract and minimizes the risk of aspiration.
After the examination, the patient can eat and drink once 30 minutes to an hour has passed. If sedation was administered, it is recommended to avoid driving, operating machinery, and consuming alcohol for at least 8 hours due to reduced reflexes.
The necessity for undergoing gastroscopy is determined based on the patient’s age, medical history, and clinical examination by the attending gastroenterologist.
Generally, the indications for diagnostic gastroscopy include:
Persistent epigastric pain
Weight loss, anorexia
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux
Recurrent episodes of vomiting or nausea
Anemia, iron deficiency, low vitamin B12
Chronic diarrhea or malabsorption
Dysphagia or odynophagia (difficulty or pain when swallowing)
Dyspeptic symptoms that first appear in individuals over 45 years old or do not resolve with appropriate treatment
Family history of stomach malignancy
Melena or hematemesis
Gastroscopy can directly visualize conditions such as esophagitis, gastritis, and ulcers. Through biopsy, it is possible to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, diagnose precancerous conditions like dysplasia, malignancies, autoimmune diseases (e.g., celiac disease, autoimmune gastritis, Crohn’s disease) that may not be visible to the naked eye, and detect Helicobacter pylori (a bacterium that causes chronic inflammation in the stomach and can lead to ulcers or dysplasia).
Gastroscopy is now considered a very safe routine procedure, with complications occurring in less than 2% of patients. These complications include cardiovascular and respiratory issues from the sedation medications (e.g., low blood pressure, arrhythmias, decreased oxygen saturation) and complications primarily related to therapeutic interventions. More serious complications, such as bleeding and perforation, occur in less than 0.3% of cases and usually involve older patients with multiple and severe underlying conditions.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, as it is comprehensively known, has become the examination of choice for assessing conditions of the upper digestive tract. When performed under appropriate conditions and precautions, it is a painless and safe procedure that can greatly contribute to the diagnosis, management, and treatment of both benign diseases and life-threatening conditions.
It is recommended to contact the diagnostic center you plan to visit for clarifications regarding preparation, as it may vary based on the patient's history.
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is an endoscopic examination that allows for the inspection of the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
It is performed by inserting a thin, flexible tube (gastroscope) with a diameter of up to 1 cm, which has a camera and a light source at its end, through the mouth. The tube is then advanced sequentially through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This allows for the examination of the mucosa and also provides the opportunity to take biopsies for histological analysis and to perform various therapeutic procedures such as hemostasis, polypectomy, dilation of strictures, and removal of foreign bodies.
Gastroscopy is not a painful procedure, but to ensure the best cooperation from the patient and to minimize discomfort, it is usually performed with mild sedation (twilight anesthesia), either administered by the gastroenterologist or in collaboration with an anesthesiologist, with continuous monitoring of vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation). The duration of a simple diagnostic gastroscopy generally does not exceed 5-10 minutes. The patient should fast for at least 6-8 hours before the examination and avoid drinking water or other fluids 2 to 3 hours prior to the procedure to ensure the stomach is empty. This facilitates a more satisfactory examination of the upper digestive tract and minimizes the risk of aspiration.
After the examination, the patient can eat and drink once 30 minutes to an hour has passed. If sedation was administered, it is recommended to avoid driving, operating machinery, and consuming alcohol for at least 8 hours due to reduced reflexes.
The necessity for undergoing gastroscopy is determined based on the patient’s age, medical history, and clinical examination by the attending gastroenterologist.
Generally, the indications for diagnostic gastroscopy include:
Persistent epigastric pain
Weight loss, anorexia
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux
Recurrent episodes of vomiting or nausea
Anemia, iron deficiency, low vitamin B12
Chronic diarrhea or malabsorption
Dysphagia or odynophagia (difficulty or pain when swallowing)
Dyspeptic symptoms that first appear in individuals over 45 years old or do not resolve with appropriate treatment
Family history of stomach malignancy
Melena or hematemesis
Gastroscopy can directly visualize conditions such as esophagitis, gastritis, and ulcers. Through biopsy, it is possible to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, diagnose precancerous conditions like dysplasia, malignancies, autoimmune diseases (e.g., celiac disease, autoimmune gastritis, Crohn’s disease) that may not be visible to the naked eye, and detect Helicobacter pylori (a bacterium that causes chronic inflammation in the stomach and can lead to ulcers or dysplasia).
Gastroscopy is now considered a very safe routine procedure, with complications occurring in less than 2% of patients. These complications include cardiovascular and respiratory issues from the sedation medications (e.g., low blood pressure, arrhythmias, decreased oxygen saturation) and complications primarily related to therapeutic interventions. More serious complications, such as bleeding and perforation, occur in less than 0.3% of cases and usually involve older patients with multiple and severe underlying conditions.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, as it is comprehensively known, has become the examination of choice for assessing conditions of the upper digestive tract. When performed under appropriate conditions and precautions, it is a painless and safe procedure that can greatly contribute to the diagnosis, management, and treatment of both benign diseases and life-threatening conditions.
It is recommended to contact the diagnostic center you plan to visit for clarifications regarding preparation, as it may vary based on the patient's history.
