What is a Gastroscopy?

Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD), also called Gastroscopy, is a procedure that examined the lining of the esophagus, stomach and the first segment of the small intestine (duodenum). A soft, bendable tube (thinner than a finger) is gently inserted into the mouth and advanced in.

Why do I need this procedure?

Gastroscopy is performed to evaluate the symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing or heartburn. The upper digestive tract can be affected by many disorders, such as ulcers, gastritis and cancer. This test has been recommended to exclude or identify these conditions. Biopsies can be taken using specialized instruments to sample tissue.

How is a Gastroscopy performed?

Patients are required to fast at least 6 hours before the procedure to ensure that the stomach is completely emptied. An empty stomach allows good visualisation and reduces the risk of vomiting during the procedure. If there is any presence of food, the procedure will have to be postponed.

Local anesthesia will be administered through a local anesthetic spray to numb the throat. Subsequently, intravenous sedation will be given.

The doctor will slowly advance a gastroscope through your mouth and down into the stomach. The examination takes about 10 minutes to complete.

What if gastroscopy shows an abnormality?

Any polyps or other abnormalities encountered during the gastroscopy will be removed and/or biopsied and sent for further analysis. Biopsies do not always mean cancer.

What complications can occur?

Gastroscopy is safe and complications are very rare. Some people have a mild sore throat for a day or two after gastroscopy.

What happens after gastroscopy?

The results of your gastroscopy will be explained to you after your procedure at the clinic. You may have some mild bloating because of the air pumped in during the procedure to inflate the stomach for visualisation. The bloating will improve rapidly when the inflated air is extracted after the procedure or when you pass out the residual air naturally.  You should be able to eat normally and return to your normal activities on the same day.

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