Gastroscopy: A Window into Digestive Health

(5 min read)

Gastroscopy: A Window into Digestive Health

A gastroscopy, also known as an upper endoscopy, is a procedure that allows doctors to examine the esophagus, stomach, and the duodenum. This essential tool helps investigate digestive symptoms and address certain conditions during the procedure itself, such as removing polyps or stopping bleeding.
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Why is a Gastroscopy Performed?

Gastroscopy is a cornerstone in diagnosing and treating upper gastrointestinal conditions. It is recommended for individuals experiencing:

• Persistent heartburn or acid reflux: To assess conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus or esophagitis.
• Unexplained abdominal discomfort or bloating: To detect ulcers, gastritis, or even early-stage gastric cancer.
• Difficulty swallowing: To evaluate potential blockages or structural abnormalities.

By providing direct visualization of the upper digestive tract, gastroscopy not only helps finding the cause of symptoms, but also allows for early intervention.

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What Happens During a Gastroscopy?

The procedure typically lasts about 15 to 30 minutes and is performed in three stages:

1. Preparation: Patients are instructed to fast for 6 to 8 hours to ensure the digestive tract is empty for optimal visualization.
2. The Procedure: A thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera is gently inserted through the mouth to examine the digestive tract. Sedation is administered to ensure maximum comfort.
3. Recovery: Most individuals recover within a few hours, although mild throat irritation or bloating may occur temporarily.

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How Safe is Gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is regarded as a safe and effective procedure. However, like any medical intervention, it carries certain risks. According to a recent review, complications such as bleeding or perforation are rare, occurring in fewer than 1 percent of procedures¹. These risks increase slightly during therapeutic gastroscopy, which involves treatment techniques such as:

• Polyp removal;
• Dilation of strictures;
• Control of bleeding ulcers.

Diagnostic gastroscopy, however, carries an even lower risk profile, making it an excellent first-line approach for evaluating upper gastrointestinal concerns.

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Why Early Detection Matters

Gastroscopy not only identifies gastrointestinal conditions but can also significantly impact survival rates when it comes to detecting gastric cancer. A large study published in the BMJ demonstrated that patients diagnosed with early-stage gastric cancer through gastroscopy had a five-year survival rate exceeding 90 percent². In contrast, the survival rate for late-stage gastric cancer drops to less than 30 percent. This stark difference underscores the importance of early detection and intervention.

In addition, gastroscopy is essential for diagnosing infections such as Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to ulcers and gastric cancer. The Kyoto global consensus outlines how eradicating H. pylori can reduce the risk of developing gastric cancer by 30-50% depending on the population, making early diagnosis critical for long-term prevention (3).

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The Next Steps in Your Care

If you experience persistent digestive symptoms, gastroscopy could provide answers. By combining diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, it remains a cornerstone of modern GI care. Our modern team will be honored to take care of you throughout your journey to optimal digestive health.

_{References‍}

_{1. Waddingham W, Kamran U, Kumar B, et al. "Complications of diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: common and rare – recognition, assessment and management." BMJ Open Gastroenterol. 2022;9:e000688.}

_{2. Song H, Ekheden IG, Zheng Z, et al. "Incidence of gastric cancer among patients with gastric precancerous lesions: observational cohort study in a low-risk Western population." BMJ. 2015;351:h3867.}

_{3. Sugano K, Tack J, Kuipers EJ, et al. "Kyoto global consensus report on Helicobacter pylori gastritis." Gut. 2015;64(9):1353-1367.}

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