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What Is A Gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy (or upper-GI endoscopy) is a medical procedure where a doctor inserts a long, thin tube with a camera and light attached into a patient’s stomach through their mouth. This procedure allows the doctor to visualise the inside of the upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, meaning the patient is asleep during the process, and the entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. Gastroscopies are often used to diagnose stomach ulcers, bleeding, and inflammation. It can also be used to biopsy or take a small tissue sample for further testing.
While generally safe, there is a small risk of bleeding, infection, and perforation of the stomach wall during the process, although such occurrences are rare.
Recovery from a gastroscopy is also usually quick, and most patients can go home the same day.
What Conditions Is A Gastroscopy Used To Treat?
A gastroscopy can be used to both diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. The procedure can be used to investigate gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as ulcers and tumours. They may also be used to remove foreign objects from the stomach or take biopsies (tissue samples) for further testing.
In some cases, the procedure may be performed in order to insert a feeding tube or place a stent.
By conducting a gastroscopy, you will obtain valuable information about the health of the stomach, oesophagus and duodenum.