A Gastroscopy (Upper GI Endoscopy) is generally a safe and effective way of diagnosing any problems you may have with the upper part of your digestive system.
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What is a Gastroscopy?
A Gastroscopy is a procedure to look at the inside of the gullet (Oesophagus), Stomach and Duodenum (a tube that connects your stomach to your bowel) using a flexible telescope. This procedure is also known as a Gastroscopy, which involves, the Consultant Gastroenterologists will place a flexible telescope (Gastroscope) through your mouth into the back of your throat and down your gullet into your stomach, from here the endoscope will pass on into your Duodenum.
Your specialist Consultant Gastroenterologist will then be able to look for any problems in these Organs such as Inflammation or Ulcers, perform Biopsies (take a small piece of tissue, this is painless) to test for infections and take Photographs to help make a Diagnosis.
Before considering treatment, it is important to be aware that all procedures carry a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand the risks involved with an Gastroscopy. You can download a Gastroscopy patient information leaflet here .Gastroscopy
An Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy) is typically performed to diagnose any digestive problems. For example, if you experience difficulties or pain when swallowing (dysphagia), have persistent nausea and vomiting, (especially vomiting blood,) indigestion, heartburn or stomach pain that doesn’t go away, or keeps coming back even when taking medication.
Q. What will a Gastroscopy show?
An Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy) can be used to diagnose coeliac disease and gluten allergies. This may involve taking biopsies of the duodenum, stomach and duodenal ulcers. It can also detect the presence of helicobacter pylori which is a specific type of bacteria that is found on the lining of the stomach and can be a cause of indigestion.
Q. Can Gastroscopy detect cancer?
An Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy) can detect stomach and oesophageal cancer by taking a small tissue sample and testing the cells. This is known as a biopsy.
Q. Are Gastroscopies painful?
The procedure is performed by either using a numbing throat spray, or with mild sedation which makes you more relaxed, but doesn’t put you to sleep completely, like an anaesthetic. You are awake and know exactly what’s going on for both.
The mild sedation can be given by breathing Entonox (gas and air), or by having an injection which is given by inserting a small cannula (tube) into the vein.
During the procedure, gas is used to inflate the stomach to make it easier to see. This is not painful but can cause discomfort, or bloating. However, you will later burp to expel the gas.
After the procedure, there might be some soreness where the camera has been, but this is only temporary and usually wears off after an hour.
Q. How long does a Gastroscopy take?
An Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy) can typically take between 10 and 25 minutes for the procedure, including light sedation. However, take note that you may be at the hospital for up to 4 hours from the moment you arrive to discharge.