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What
is gastroscopy?
A panendoscope is a long flexible tube that is thinner than most food
you swallow. It Is passed through the mouth and back of the throat into
the upper digestive track and allows the physician to examine the lining
of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first portion of the small
intestine).
Abnormalities suspected by X ray can be confirmed and others may be detected
which are too small to be seen on X ray. If the doctor sees a suspicious
area, he can pass an Instrument through the endoscope and take a small
piece of tissue (a biopsy) for examination in <he laboratory. Biopsies
are taken for many reasons and do not necessarily imply cancer.
Other instruments can also be passed through the endoscope without causing
discomfort including a small brush to wipe cells from a suspicious area
for examination in the laboratory (a form of pap test or "cytology")
and a wire loop or snare to remove polyps (abnormal, usually benign, growths
of tissue).
Many problems of the upper digestive tract cannot be
diagnosed by X ray. Gastroscopy may be helpful in the diagnosis of inflammation
of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (esophagitis, gastritis, duodenitis),
and to identify the site of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Gastroscopy is more accurate than X ray in detecting gastric (stomach)
and duodenal ulcers, especially when there is bleeding or scarring from
a previous ulcer. Gastroscopy may detect early cancers too small to be
seen by X ray and can confirm the diagnosis by biopsies and brushings.
Gastroscopy is an extremely worthwhile and safe procedure, which is very
well tolerated, and is invaluable in the diagnosis and proper management
of disorders of the upper digestive track.
Why is
gastroscopy necessary?
Many problems of the upper digestive track cannot be diagnosed by X ray.
Gastroscopy may be helpful in the diagnosis of inflammation of the esophagus,
stomach, and duodenum (esophagitis, gastritis, duodenitis), and to identify
the site of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Gastroscopy is more accurate than X ray in detecting gastric (stomach)
and duodenal ulcers, especially when there is bleeding or scarring from
a previous ulcer. Gastroscopy may detect early cancers too small to be
seen by X ray and can confirm the diagnosis by biopsies and brushings.
Gastroscopy may also be needed for treatment, for example, for stretching
narrowed areas of tne esophagus or for removal of polyps or swallowed
objects. Active investigation is currently in progress on methods to control
upper gastrointestinal bleeding through the panendoscope. Safe and effective
endoscopic control of bleeding could drastically reduce the need for transfusions
and surgery in these patients.
Gastroscopy is an extremely worthwhile and safe procedure, which is very
well tolerated, and is invaluable in the diagnosis and proper management
of disorders of the upper digestive tract. The decision to perform this
procedure was based upon assessment of your particular problem. If you
have any questions about your exam or if any difficulties arise, feel
free to call the office at (508) 588-6700 or (508) 821-4100.
What should you expect during the procedure?
Your doctor will give you medication through a vein to make you relaxed and sleepy, and your throat may be sprayed with local anesthetic. While you are in a comfortable position, the panendoscope is inserted through the mouth, and each part of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum is examined.
This procedure is extremely well tolerated with little or no discomfort Many patients even fall asleep during the exam.
The tube will not interfere with your breathing. Gagging is usually prevented by the medication.
Are there any complications from gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy is safe and is associated with very low risk, when performed by physicians who have been specially trained and are experienced in this endoscopic procedure. Complications can occur but are rare.
One possible complication is perforation in which a tear through the wall of the esophagus or stomach may allow leakage of digestive fluids. This complication may be managed simply by aspirating the fluids until the opening seals, or may require surgery.
Bleeding may occur from the site of biopsy or polyp removal. It is usually minimal, but rarely may require transfusions or surgery.
Localized irritation of the vein may occur at the site of medication injection. A tender lump develops wrr h may remain for several weeks to several months, but goes away eventually.
Other risks include drug reactions and complications from unrelated diseases, such as heart attack or stroke. Death is extremely rare, but remains a remote possibility.
What happens
after the procedure?
You will be kept in the endoscopic area until most of the effects of the
medication have worn off. Your throat may be a little sore for a couple
of hours and you may feel bloated for a few minutes right after the procedure
because of the air that was introduced to examine your stomach.*
*After that you may leave, but
it is imperative that you be accompanied by a responsible person who can
drive you home since your coordination may be impaired for several hours.
You will be able to resume your diet after the exam, unless you
are instructed otherwise.
