Gastroscopy Service
WHAT IS GASTROSCOPY?
Gastroscopy is a safe procedure that allows for direct observation and examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible tube with a camera at its tip. Through the images provided by the endoscope, doctors can view, assess the severity of damage, diagnose lesions in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and recommend appropriate treatment methods as well as directly address the lesions.
WHO SHOULD UNDERGO GASTROSCOPY?
The indications for gastroscopy are quite extensive; nearly all patients suspected of having gastrointestinal issues or symptoms can be recommended for gastroscopy. In each case, doctors will assess the patient’s health condition and related factors to decide whether gastroscopy is necessary.
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The recommended age for individuals at average risk to begin cancer screening with endoscopy is currently between 35 and 45 years old.
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Having close family members (grandparents, parents, siblings) with gastrointestinal diseases such as esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, or colorectal cancer.
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Engaging in unhealthy lifestyle and dietary habits, such as frequent smoking, alcohol consumption, eating a lot of fried foods, or consuming spicy foods.
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Factors that increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancer, including the presence of polyps, suffering from stomach or colon ulcers, or being infected with H. pylori bacteria.
DISEASES DETECTABLE BY GASTROSCOPY SERVICE:
Gastroscopy can detect upper gastrointestinal conditions such as esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), achalasia, peptic ulcers in the stomach and duodenum, gastric and duodenal polyps, functional dyspepsia, and determine the presence of H. pylori infection.
It also screens for complications like esophageal and gastric varices in patients with cirrhosis and examines precancerous lesions in the stomach such as atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia.
PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCTING GASTROSCOPY (NON-ANESTHETIC)
Preparing for Gastroscopy
Before undergoing gastroscopy, patients will undergo a health check by doctors to ensure they are fit for the procedure. Sometimes, patients may need to undergo certain necessary clinical tests.
Patients should also inform the doctor if they are pregnant or suspect they are pregnant.
There are some instructions that patients need to remember and follow to ensure the most effective gastroscopy process, including:
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Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure. This ensures that the digestive tract is clean and easily observable for the doctor. Patients may drink a small amount of water, but it should be very limited.
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Avoiding the use of blood thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel, etc. This helps minimize the risk of bleeding during the surgical intervention. Patients should inform the doctors about any medications they are currently taking or have taken recently.
Performing Painless Gastroscopy
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Patients are sprayed with a numbing medication in the throat area to reduce discomfort.
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Inserting the endoscope into the esophagus.
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Examining and diagnosing the condition of the gastrointestinal tract through images displayed on the screen. During this process, the doctor may pump a small amount of air into the digestive tract for better observation.
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Using tools to take tissue samples, remove abnormal masses from the esophagus, stomach, or intestines from the patient's body.
After Gastroscopy
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After gastroscopy, patients are monitored by doctors for 15-30 minutes to observe their health status and vital signs such as heart rate, breathing.
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Patients may experience some common post-gastroscopy symptoms such as drowsiness, abdominal pain or bloating, sore throat for a few hours. These symptoms will gradually decrease over time, so patients do not need to worry too much.
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During the clinic stay, patients should also carefully observe their own health. If there are any abnormal symptoms such as increasing pain or discomfort, nausea, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or fever, patients should inform the doctor and nurse immediately for timely treatment.