Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (gastroscopy)
It is an endoscopic examination of oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Amongst others, it is used for:
- diagnostics (including tissue sampling) of diseases of oesophagus, stomach and duodenum
- status determination of Helicobacter pyroli (stomach bacteria), if necessary, with resistance examination
- removal of polyps
- haemostasis or prevention of bleeding in case of oesophagus varicosis through rubber band ligator
- haemostasis of ulcers, vessel malformations through injection, Hemoclip (blood vessel clamps), heat coagulation through argon plasma jet (scabbing)
- bouginage or balloon dilatation (stretching techniques) of benign or malignant occlusions
- insertion of self-expanding stents (wire mesh prosthesis) at the occlusions
- insertion of a gastrostomy tube into the stomach or small intestine (PEG=percutaneous gastrotomy)
What does the examination look like and what should I pay attention to?
Gastroscopy is performed on an empty stomach. The last meal should have been taken at least six hours ago, whereas it is allowed to drink a glass of water after getting up in the morning.
As a rule, the examination takes 10 minutes and is absolutely painless. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth. Chocking can be eliminated by a numbing oral spray. It should be noted that one can suffer from numbness of the posterior pharyngeal wall and, thus, from swallowing disorders for about 30 minutes after the procedure.
Optionally, the procedure can be performed with so-called sedative injection. Then patient will sleep during the procedure and then he can rest in the recovery room. Because of the special medication (propofol), there is no long after-effect, as with valium related preparations. However, for legal reasons, you are not allowed to drive a car for 24 hours after the injection.
It is allowed to eat and drink after the examination.
In case of abnormal findings, samples can be taken with a forceps. The sampling is painless and not dangerous, unless there are some blood coagulation disorders.
It is advisable to stop taking Aspirin-containing preparations or medication, impairing blood coagulation, such as e.g. Plavix® (clopidogrel), 5-7 days before the procedure. Your physician and we as well (especially with Marcumar patients) will be pleased to answer any of your questions.
