Follow this information for a successful gastroscopy
Introduction
With a gastroscopy, it is possible to look inside the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Small tissue samples can be taken from the mucous membrane for further examinations and certain diseases can be treated. A gastroscope is used for this painless examination.
Anatomy and function of the upper digestive tract
The upper digestive tract consists of: esophagus, stomach and duodenum. These organs have a muscle layer on the outside and are lined with a mucous membrane. When swallowed, the esophagus transports the food to the stomach. There it is mixed with digestive juices and thoroughly soaked.
Indications
In the case of diseases of the stomach, doctors can use the gastroscope to get an idea of the nature of the inside of the stomach and thus make the diagnosis with little effort. These diseases mainly affect the lining of the stomach. There are stomach ulcers, inflammation and an unregulated mucosal growth in the form of the so-called polyps. These polyps can be removed by the gastroscope during the examination and thereby treated. For the precise diagnosis of changes in the mucous membranes of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, tissue samples are taken with a tiny „forceps“ without causing pain. In many cases, the examination of the tissue samples makes diagnosis considerably easier
The gastroscope
Gastroscope: structure and function of the gastroscope (1) This is the tube that is inserted into the stomach. It contains optics and working channels (rinsing, tissue removal etc.). It is very flexible and only 8 mm thin. (2) This coupling willBringing light into the fiberglass optics of the gastroscope. In addition, air and water can be introduced into the gastroscope tube. (3) The handle contains the coupling for the video optics or the lens for “looking through” via various wheels, the functions are controlled (e.g. rinsing) and the front end of the hose is moved. (4) The tissue is removed with this handle. The gastroscope tube is very flexible and can be directed by the doctor in different directions, like the animation about the examination with the gastroscope tube. It is possible to see the different regions of the stomachand duodenum to look at.preparation During the examination, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes, you will lie comfortably on the left side. The helper will take care of you and assist the doctor. She is there for you all the time, including before and after the examination.
You should not eat for 4-6 hours before the test. The stomach needs to be empty. (Small sips of water may be allowed up to two hours before the test.)
The exam will not hurt you. Only the gag reflex in the throat is uncomfortable while the gastroscope passes through the throat. The doctor will tell you when to swallow. This makes it much easier to advance the gastroscope.
The mucous membrane of the throat is sprayed with a spray before the examination, which reduces the uncomfortable sensations by a local anesthetic.
Sometimes the doctor will give a sedative before the examination. If you have a sedative you will need somebody to accompany you home.
You will be monitored while sedated.
investigation
They are conveniently on the left. The gastroscope is gently advanced through the mouth and throat. You can help by swallowing. The gastroscope is pushed into the stomach through the esophagus. With the flexible tube of the gastroscope, the doctor can view all parts of the stomach. Proper preparation is important: if the stomach is not empty, the doctor cannot fully assess the mucous membrane. Please do not eat anything in the last 6 hours before the examination!
Diagnostic tests Blood laboratory and coagulation test anesthesia Superficial anesthesiaSedoanalgesia
Removal of a polyp
Biopsy
Mucosal growths, so-called polyps, can be removed using the gastroscope. Bleeding occurs very rarely after polyp removal of large polyps. However, this can be quenched with the gastroscope. In extremely rare cases, perforation of the stomach wall can occur, which must then be treated surgically. Please do not eat for an hour after the examination. If you have been given a sedative, stop driving your car that day. Activities on which you have to be very concentrated (e.g. operating machines) may no longer be performed on this day. After polyp removalplease pay attention to pain or blood loss and inform your doctor if necessary. After a complicated procedure, your doctor will explain exactly what you need to consider for the first time after the examination.
Summary
To ensure that gastroscopy can be carried out without any problems, you should note the following:
Please come to the examination sober
The procedure is not painful
Please advise us if any of the following applies to you: Bleeding tendency, taking blood-thinning medication or aspirin, having a heart condition or allergy, gastrointestinal surgery, exist pregnancy.
After a sedative injection, you may no longer drive or use machines on the same day.
If polyps have been removed, please pay attention to pain or bleeding and inform your doctor immediately.
