Why is gastroscopy performed?

Why is gastroscopy performed?

Gastroenterology is a medical procedure treatment in Switzerland. that allows a doctor to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a long, thin tube with a camera on the end. It is a safe and effective way to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including:

One of the important studies in gastroenterology is gastroscopy. Simplicity, painlessness and high accuracy of the results obtained make gastroscopy indispensable in the diagnosis of diseases of the digestive system.

Gastroscopy is an endoscopic examination of the digestive tract, which allows you to study the inner wall of the stomach. It is currently the reference study for the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Gives the opportunity to highlight any foci and perform a biopsy (removal of a fragment of tissue for study under a microscope).

Fibrogastroscopy as a method of examining the state of the gastrointestinal tract has its advantages. This examination can be performed at the top top clinics in Switzerland.

Indications for gastroscopy

Why is a gastroscopy performed?

There are various situations in which a gastroscopy can be useful. It can be long-term diffuse symptoms or a very specific suspicion of a disease.

A gastroscopy may be performed for symptoms such as these:

  • frequent vomiting
  • persistent stomach pain
  • severe heartburn
  • A vague feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen.
  • Loss of appetite and vague weight loss
  • A change in the color of the stool to black

These symptoms may indicate, for example, bleeding or a bleeding disorder. A gastroscopy is very important if bleeding is suspected in the case of esophageal varices , gastric ulcers (peptic ulcers) or cancer. If bleeding is suspected in esophageal varices, gastroscopy is very important for gastric ulcers (peptic ulcers) or cancer.

What diseases can a gastroscopy detect?

 Gastroscopy can detect inflammation of the gastric mucosa (gastritis) ,

  • gastric or duodenal ulcers,
  • changes in the esophageal mucosa (Barrett's esophagus is a special condition characterized by metaplasia of the esophageal squamous epithelium (replacing it with cylindrical epithelium like intestinal epithelium). Such a picture is observed in the prolonged course of gastroesophageal reflux disease and is one of its most serious complications),
  • esophageal varices
  • cancers of the esophagus and upper digestive tract, such as esophageal cancer and stomach cancer, are diagnosed and sometimes even treated.

What can gastroscopy be used for?

  • The mucous membranes can be carefully examined from top to bottom to see if they are irritated and free of wounds or tumors, for example. Gastroscopy is a very effective examination method that has almost completely replaced X-rays. You will get a good overview of the condition of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
  • You can take various tissue samples and take photographs through the gastroscope. Videography is also possible so that you can examine the mucosa on the screen and record it on video. The recording can be useful for later comparison, for example, after treatment has been completed. cancer.
  • fo Procedures that can be performed with a gastroscope:
    • Narrowings can be dilated.
    • Tissue samples can be taken.
    • Polyps can be removed.
    • The lining of the stomach can be removed.
    • Bleeding can be stopped.
    • Endoscopic ultrasound can be performed.
    • Gallstones can be removed from the bile ducts.
    • Blockages in the bile ducts can be removed.
    • Cysts can be removed.
    • Operations on abdominal organs such as the gallbladder and appendix have also been performed with a gastroscope.

How to prepare for a gastroscopy:

Preparation for the procedure should be approved by your doctor.

  1. Gastroscopy is performed exclusively in the evening, without eating for 8-10 hours before the examination.
  2. It is not necessary to follow a special diet before the procedure, but for 2 days, you should exclude the following foods: chocolate cookies and chocolate, alcohol, spicy food, nuts and seeds.
  3. It is recommended to have a light meal in the evening before the examination from easily digestible foods (except salads) - no later than 6pm.
  4. It is not recommended to smoke or chew gum on the day of the procedure.
  5. On the day of the procedure, the following is allowed: you can drink water, weak tea (with sugar if desired) for 2-4 hours.
  6. If the procedure is performed in the afternoon, a light snack is allowed, but not later than 8-10 hours before the start of the examination. You should exclude the consumption of liquids (water, tea) for 2-4 hours.r example, after treatment has been completed. cancer.

 

Gastroscopy - Duration

The duration of a gastroscopy varies depending on the reason for the procedure. Typically, a diagnostic gastroscopy takes about 15 minutes. The examination is delayed due to tissue sampling, hemostasis or minor surgical procedures. The entire gastroscopy procedure - preparation, performance and follow-up - can take up to 2 hours.