Also known as upper endoscopy, gastroscopy is a minimally invasive medical examination aimed at confirming or ruling out the possibilities of digestive issues like gastritis and ulcers. It is a standard procedure that involves using an endoscope to view the gastrointestinal tract’s interior chambers and diagnose the problems if any.
The gastrointestinal tract consists of the esophagus, the stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine which are scanned using a thin tube device with a mini light and camera installed at the end. This tube-like instrument is introduced into the body through the mouth and gives a detailed interior view of the organs for an improved health examination.
gastroscopie privé clinics involves a well-equipped facility wherein the patient is made to feel comfortable while the entire medical examination is done. An endoscope is a thin flexible tube with a camera on one end while the other is connected to a monitor that displays high-quality visuals of the gastric tract.
Reasons to get a gastroscopy done
Gastroscopy is a medical examination suggested by a doctor in cases of suspected issues or discomfort in the gastric tract. Gastrointestinal health issues are quite common that should be identified and treated promptly to avoid further health complications.
Troubles in the upper digestive tract are often symptoms of severe diseases such as stomach cancer and peptic ulcers. Hence, getting a gastroscopy is imperative when suggested by a certified medical professional. Some key reasons to get a gastroscopy done are listed as follows:
- Prolonged nausea, heartburn, or vomiting
- Discomfort and incessant pain in the stomach
- Black stool or blood discharges
- Suspected ulcer
- Suspected cancer in the stomach or esophagus
- Troubled eating & weight loss pattern
- A general checkup post-surgery
Also, doctors may suggest getting a gastroscopy in private (gastroscopie privé)clinics to suck out air and fluids while treating gut-related issues such as the removal of tissue outgrowths.
Gastroscopy, the procedure
Although gastroscopy is a regular medical examination, the patient should take basic preparations before the actual test session. Similar to a colonoscopy, your doctor may suggest some medicines to make the gastroscopy process comfortable. In case you are on some regular medication, you must discuss it beforehand. Activities like eating and drinking should be avoided a few hours before the examination as suggested by the medical professional.
On the scheduled appointment day, the patient is asked to change and lie down on the bed. Local anesthesia is administered to lessen the sensitivity in the throat region. Post this, the endoscope is inserted through the mouth, and the patient is instructed to swallow the camera end of the tube gradually. This process nearly takes around 10-15 minutes wherein clear images are captured and displayed on the monitor.
The nurse may also take tissue samples using small pincers attached to the tube as per the doctor’s prescription. The videos and images captured during the process are later examined by the doctor to identify any inflammations or abnormalities in the tract. It is important to note that gastroscopy in private (gastroscopie privé) clinic is not painful and certain conditions can be treated during the process itself.
Risks involved during gastroscopy
In some clinics, patients are asked to sign a consent form before opting for a gastroscopy session which may be alarming for some. However, there’s nothing to panic about as there are no risks or complexity involved in the process.
Since an endoscope is inserted through the mouth down the throat and anesthesia is applied, the patient might feel numbness or soreness in the region. The chances of serious complications during or post gastroscopy are very rare. Some common effects after the gastroscopy include:
- Bleeding due to accidental tear of blood vessels in the esophagus or stomach
- Internal bleeding causing discharge of black tar-like stool
- Uneasiness in the neck, stomach, and chest
- Discomfort in eating and swallowing
- Fever, nausea, and vomiting
- Breathing problems
What to expect post gastroscopy?
Since a sedative is given to patients to minimize sensations and pain in the throat region, its effect may last up to a few hours. As a result, you’ll be required to rest for a while before stepping out of the clinic. During this period, your blood pressure and heart rate are monitored to ensure no health complications. Once you’re fully awake, you can leave the clinic. Feeling tired and dizzy is quite common and dissipates over time. In most cases, one can resume work right the next day without any health risks. While the diagnostic results may be shared instantly by the medical staff, complete biopsy results take a week to arrive.
Final Note
As compared to colonoscopy and other similar medical examinations, gastroscopy is a low-risk procedure that has no potential side effects or concerns as such. One can get a gastroscopy on the doctor’s suggestion to confirm or rule out the risks of severe gastrointestinal health problems. While sore throat and irritation in the neck region are quite normal, it is minimal when done under expert supervision. Hence, visit a credible clinic that is well-equipped with technology and trained medical staff.
