What is gastroscopy and why is it performed

Gastroscopy is a diagnostic procedure that is prescribed when pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract are suspected. This is the gold standard for examining the inner surface of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Using this technique, a clear picture of the condition of the organs — structure and functionality — is obtained. The procedure is also performed to take a tissue sample for histological analysis (biopsy).

Why is gastroscopy performed?

Gastrointestinal pathologies in the early stages are often characterized by the absence of pronounced symptoms. The clinical picture of many diseases of the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum is similar, which complicates differential diagnosis. Patients often do not pay attention to heartburn, heaviness in the stomach, and digestive problems. As a result, the diseases progress and become chronic, when they are less treatable. To make an accurate diagnosis of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, an examination is performed using a gastroscope. What does gastroscopy examine:

• The condition of the mucous surface of the esophagus and stomach.

• The patency of the hollow, tubular organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

• The functions of the sphincters - a ring of muscles that prevents the backflow of food.

• The condition of the blood vessels located on the inner surface.

• The secretory activity of the gastric glands that produce gastric juice.

• The presence of bile in the stomach.

The study reveals areas of ulceration and other defects, foci of bleeding and redness, which indicates an inflammatory process. An informative study helps the doctor assess the condition and functions of the gastrointestinal tract in order to prescribe adequate treatment if necessary.

Advantages of gastroscopy

The main advantage of gastroscopy is the information content and accuracy of diagnosis. During the procedure, the doctor examines the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum for the presence of deformations, damage (ulcers), foci of inflammation, neoplasms. Other advantages:

• Speed ​​of obtaining results. The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes.

• Minimally invasive method. The integrity of the skin and organs is not violated during the study.

• Broad diagnostic capabilities - study of structure, functions, pathological changes in organs.

• Safety. The technique has found wide application in the field of gastroenterology. Experienced doctors usually perform the procedure without complications for the patient.

• Simultaneous therapy - the ability to remove polyps, stop bleeding, and perform local treatment of defects on the inner surface.

The speed of the procedure depends on the goals and features. If it is necessary to take a tissue sample for a biopsy, the study may take a little longer - each sample is placed in a separate test tube.

An examination using an endoscope is prescribed if there is a suspicion of gastrointestinal diseases, which is shown by gastroscopy of the stomach. The width of the endoscope tube is 8-9 mm, which helps to minimize discomfort. Due to its increased flexibility, the tube easily penetrates hard-to-reach areas and provides a full view of the internal surfaces. In terms of information content, gastroscopy is superior to ultrasound, CT and MRI examinations, which do not provide such a clear and detailed image.

Gastroendoscopy: equipment

To understand what gastroendoscopy is, you need to take into account the type of equipment that is used for diagnostics. The internal cavities of the organs are examined using an endoscope (gastroscope) - a device equipped with a thin tube with a miniature video camera and a light source attached to the end. The doctor directs a flexible tube with a video camera, which films the internal surface and transmits the image to the monitor. The image is magnified many times, which allows the doctor to objectively assess the structure of the organ's surface.

During the examination, a video recording is made, which allows the doctor to additionally view the material and analyze the data. The endoscope tube is hollow. If necessary, the doctor uses instruments through the opening to collect a tissue sample or remove polyps. Special equipment helps stop bleeding in hollow organs and carry out drug treatment - irrigation of the stomach walls with drugs to treat defects (erosion, ulcers).

Indications for gastroscopy

Gastroscopy of the stomach and other gastrointestinal organs is indicated for patients with chronic pain in the upper abdomen. The doctor prescribes an examination if there are complaints of frequent heartburn and nausea. Other reasons to undergo diagnostics using a gastroscope are discomfort in the stomach, difficulty swallowing food, symptoms indicating pathologies of the digestive organs:

• Gastric ulcer - the formation of a defect on the inner wall of the organ.

• Esophagitis - an inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the esophagus.

• Gastritis - inflammation and degenerative changes in the inner lining of the stomach.

• Gastroduodenitis - gastritis with involvement of the duodenum in the pathological process.

• Reflux disease is the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.

• Diaphragmatic hernia is the displacement of the stomach into the chest area.

• Benign neoplasms and polyps.

• Malignant tumors.

The doctor will recommend undergoing an examination in case of significant weight loss, loss of appetite, or too rapid satiety. If close relatives have been diagnosed with gastrointestinal diseases, it is worth undergoing an examination. Many gastroenterological diseases are characterized by a hereditary predisposition. What can be seen during gastroscopy:

• Defects on the surface of the mucous membrane - erosions and ulcers.

• Internal bleeding.

• Neoplasms - benign and malignant.

• Dilated veins of the esophagus.

The procedure is prescribed to patients who are undergoing treatment to monitor the result. Depending on what the gastroscopy determines, the examination can be planned or emergency. In the first case, it is usually associated with symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. Preventive diagnostics are performed on people over 40 years of age if there are close relatives diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer.

Contraindications to the procedure

If the procedure is performed on an emergency basis, when the patient's health and life depend on the diagnostic results, the only contraindication is the impossibility of physical performance. This usually happens when there are open wounds and impassable areas in the area where the probe passes, or there are foreign bodies that impede the advancement of the tube. Other contraindications:

• epileptic seizure;

• suspected myocardial infarction;

• acute cerebrovascular accident, stroke;

• history of mental disorders;

• respiratory dysfunction;

• convulsive syndrome;

• age over 70 years;

• increased blood pressure;

• cardiovascular diseases in the acute stage.

In some cases, an obstacle to the study is increased anxiety and poor stress resistance of a person. In such a situation, the procedure can be performed under general anesthesia. The decision on the advisability of conducting and how to do a gastroscopy is made by the doctor individually for each patient at a preliminary consultation.

What tests to take before gastroscopy

Regardless of how gastroscopy of the stomach is done, you must first take tests to avoid complications. The standard set includes:

• blood test - general;

• test for viral infections (hepatitis);

• coagulogram (blood clotting);

• electrocardiogram.

At the initial consultation, the doctor will tell you everything about gastroscopy - what it is, how it is done and how to prepare.

Preparation for gastroscopy

3 days before the examination, you should exclude from your diet foods that irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract - spicy, sour, fatty. Foods that cause bloating are contraindicated - legumes, fresh vegetables. Prohibited foods and drinks include alcohol, coffee, soda. The best food on preparation days is porridge, low-fat broths, jelly and yogurt.

In order for the doctor to freely examine the internal cavities using a gastroscope, the stomach must be empty. No earlier than 8 hours before the examination, it is forbidden to eat. 2 hours before the start, you should stop drinking. Before the examination, the patient removes dentures and glasses so that foreign objects do not interfere with the insertion of the probe. What you need to do before the procedure:

• remove or loosen your tie;

• unbutton the top button of your blouse or shirt;

• remove jewelry from your neck - a chain, necklace.

It is important to relax and remain calm to make it easier for the doctor to insert the probe. When a person is relaxed, the risk of muscle spasms in the esophagus decreases. Usually, diagnostics are performed on an outpatient basis - hospitalization is not required. After the examination is completed, the patient goes home.

Procedure

In most cases, general anesthesia is not required. The doctor uses a spray with an anesthetic substance in the area of ​​the root of the tongue and pharynx to minimize discomfort during the insertion of the probe. A mouthpiece is inserted into the patient's mouth, which prevents injury to the tongue and prevents the patient from biting the gastroscope tube with his teeth. How the gastroscopy procedure is performed:

• The patient lies on his side, bending his knees.

• A cushion is placed under the head of the person being examined.

• The endoscope is inserted into the oral cavity. The doctor asks the patient to swallow the tip of the tube.

• You should breathe deeply and evenly to reduce discomfort and make the doctor's job easier. During the examination of the stomach cavity, air is supplied inside, which helps to expand the organ and improve visibility.

Depending on the purpose of the gastroscopy, general anesthesia may be used, which allows for a detailed examination of the internal surfaces of the gastrointestinal tract. General anesthesia completely eliminates the discomfort from the insertion of the tube. General anesthesia is indicated in cases where the patient cannot cope with discomfort, vomiting, belching and increased salivation.

Anesthesia increases the information content and accuracy of the study in people with increased sensitivity. The patient under anesthesia is connected to a monitor that monitors vital functions - heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, body temperature.

Gastroscopy results

The patient receives the results of the gastroscopy immediately after the examination. Analyzing the data obtained, the doctor makes a conclusion about the presence or absence of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. If the material is collected for analysis for the Helicobacter bacteria, you will have to wait 10 minutes for the results. If a biopsy was performed during the procedure - collecting a sample of material for histological analysis, the results are ready in 7-10 days. The conclusion of the gastroscopy usually contains recommendations for further observation or treatment.

Possible complications

Gastroscopy is a relatively safe and well-studied diagnostic method. However, in some cases, complications may occur:

• Bleeding. Occurs due to damage to the inner surface of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Infection. Occurs when sanitary requirements are not met, for example, due to improper sterilization of instruments and working parts of the equipment.

• Perforation (formation of a through hole) in the wall of the esophagus, stomach or intestine. Usually, the complication is associated with rough pressure and incorrect use of endoscopic equipment.

• Allergic reaction to anesthetics and other drugs that are used during the study.

To avoid unpleasant consequences, undergo examination in a reliable clinic, which is equipped with advanced equipment. Modern gastroscopes are equipped with tubes with a diameter of 4 mm. The tubes of the devices are highly flexible and elastic. With sufficient experience and professionalism of the doctor, the risk of complications is minimal.