Gastroscopy, also known as an upper endoscopy, is a crucial diagnostic procedure that allows doctors to look inside your upper digestive tract. Understanding this procedure is important, especially for individuals in India, where gastrointestinal issues are common. This blog will provide a comprehensive guide on what to expect from a gastroscopy, from preparation to recovery, ensuring you are well-informed and comfortable with the process.

What is Gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy, also known as an upper endoscopy, is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). During this procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a camera (gastroscope) is gently inserted through your mouth, enabling doctors to visualize the internal lining of these organs in real time and identify any abnormalities.

Indications for Gastroscopy

Several conditions necessitate a gastroscopy:

• Ulcers: To identify and assess the severity of stomach or duodenal ulcers.
• Inflammation: Detecting inflammation in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.
• Tumours: Locating and biopsying abnormal growths.
• Bleeding: Investigating unexplained bleeding in the upper GI tract.

Symptoms that might prompt a gastroscopy include persistent abdominal pain, chronic heartburn, unexplained weight loss, and difficulty swallowing.

Preparation for Gastroscopy

Pre-Procedure Fasting

You’ll need to avoid eating solid food for at least 6 hours before your appointment and may have clear fluids up to 4 hours beforehand. If your appointment is in the morning, have a light dinner the previous night and avoid food and liquids the day of the procedure. For an afternoon appointment, you can have a light breakfast at 7-8 AM and avoid food and liquids afterward.

Informing Your Doctor

It’s important to inform your doctor about:

• Any medications you are taking, including supplements and herbal remedies
• Allergies
• Existing medical conditions

Other Preparation Tips

• Arrange for someone to drive you home post-procedure, as you may receive sedation.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Remove any jewellery, especially facial piercings.
• If you wear dentures, you may need to remove them during the procedure.

The Gastroscopy Procedure

Arrival and Initial Preparations

Upon arrival at the hospital, you’ll go through a few initial steps:

• Consultation to discuss the procedure, its benefits, and risks
• Signing consent forms after understanding the procedure, including risks and complications
• Changing into a hospital gown

During the Procedure

1. Positioning: You will be positioned on your left side on a stretcher.
2. Local Anaesthetic: A local aesthetic spray will be used to numb your throat.
3. Sedation: You may be offered sedation medication to help you relax, but not all cases use propofol sedation.
4. Insertion of the Gastroscope: A mouthpiece will be placed between your teeth to keep your mouth open. The gastroscope is then gently inserted through your mouth and into your stomach.
5. Real-Time Imaging: The camera on the gastroscope provides real-time images, allowing the doctor to identify any abnormalities.
6. Possible Biopsies: If necessary, the doctor may take biopsies or perform other minor interventions.

The procedure usually takes around 5-10 minutes.

Read more: Post-Infectious IBS: Understanding How Infections Can Lead to Long-Term Digestive Issues

Recovery After Gastroscopy

Post-Procedure Monitoring

After the procedure, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area until the effects of sedation wear off.

Common Temporary Side Effects

• Sore throat
• Bloating
• Mild discomfort

Instructions for Recovery

• If local anaesthesia spray was used, you can consume food and drive within 15-30 minutes after the diagnostic gastroscopy.
• If IV sedation was administered, avoid driving for at least half a day.
• Start with clear fluids and gradually progress to soft foods as tolerated.
• Contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, difficulty swallowing, or persistent vomiting.

Risks and Benefits of Gastroscopy

Benefits:

• Accurate Diagnosis: Allows for precise identification of GI issues.
• Targeted Treatment: Enables direct treatment interventions.
• Minimally Invasive: Quick recovery time compared to surgical alternatives.

Risks:

• Rare Complications: Such as bleeding, infection, or perforation.
• Anxiety and Discomfort: Managing patient anxiety and ensuring minimal discomfort are important aspects of the procedure.

In India, the cost of a gastroscopy depends on the location, hospital, and any additional interventions required. This is relatively affordable compared to costs in other countries, making it accessible for many patients.

Conclusion

Gastroscopy is an essential procedure for diagnosing and treating upper GI issues. Understanding what to expect can alleviate anxiety and ensure a smooth experience. For personalized advice and gastroscopy services, consult with healthcare professionals, such as those at Bangalore Gastro Centre.

FAQs about Gastroscopy

Q1. Is gastroscopy painful?

Gastroscopy is generally not painful due to the sedative used, but you may experience slight discomfort.

Q2. How long does the procedure take?

The procedure typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes.

Q3. What should I do if I experience severe pain post-procedure?

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe pain or persistent bleeding after the procedure.