I, Karl Loren, will be watching the Endoscopy of Jean, and will add here anything useful from that observation.
Acid Reflux -- Esophageal Spasms
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, Acid Reflux)
Acid-Alkaline Balance by Karl Loren
Dr. Weston Price -- On Acid -- Alkaline Balance
Mass Near The Esophagus -- Cancer? Benign?
Advice From Friends -- Esophagus Cancer
Treatments and Protocols BEYOND The Traditional
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Technical and Complete Description of "Endoscopies" of various types.
| Published by BUPA's Health Information Team January, 2003 |
A gastroscopy is an examination of the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract - the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).
Gastroscopy involves using a flexible, tube-like telescope called an endoscope, which is about the thickness of a little finger, to examine the stomach and duodenum. The endoscope is passed through the mouth and into the oesophagus. The procedure may also be simply referred to as an endoscopy, or an OGD (oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy).
A gastroscopy is useful for finding out the cause of a range of symptoms, such as indigestion, upper abdominal pain, vomiting or bleeding, or as a check-up for certain gastrointestinal conditions.
Sometimes, a gastroscopy may be needed to confirm the results of other examinations – a barium meal, for example. During the procedure, the consultant may take a biopsy – a small sample of the lining of the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum – for examination in the laboratory.
In some cases, depending on individual factors such as the symptoms present and the condition being investigated, there may be alternatives to having a gastroscopy. These may include:
Gastroscopy is usually performed as an outpatient or day case, requiring no overnight stay in hospital. A general anaesthetic is not usually required, but some people are given a sedative to help ensure that they are relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. This generally involves an injection into a vein in the back of the hand and usually causes drowsiness and relaxation almost immediately. The procedure will not start until it has taken effect.
The gastroscopy itself usually takes about 10-15 minutes, although two hours should be allowed for the whole appointment.
For the doctor to get a clear view through the endoscope, the stomach needs to be empty. To achieve this, it is necessary to avoid eating for between three and six hours before the procedure, although it is usually possible to sip clear fluids for up to two hours beforehand. The hospital will provide instructions in advance. It's important to follow these instructions very carefully because the doctor may not be able to get a clear view if the stomach is not completely empty. The procedure may then have to be repeated.
A gastroscopy is performed in a private room or cubicle, with a nurse present throughout to provide care and reassurance. The doctor may spray a local anaesthetic into the back of the throat or provide a lozenge to suck to numb the throat area.
With the person resting comfortably on one side, the endoscope is carefully inserted into the mouth and throat. Modern endoscopes are thin and quite easy to swallow. The natural swallowing action helps the endoscope pass into the gullet and down towards the stomach. Air is then passed through the tube and into the stomach to make the lining easier to see. This may cause a brief sensation of fullness, nausea or the need to belch.
At the end of the endoscope, a tiny light and lens enable the consultant to see if any disease is present. If necessary, a small biopsy of tissue may be taken for analysis. This is a quick and painless process, using instruments that can be passed inside the endoscope. When the examination is finished, the endoscope is removed quickly and easily.
Having a gastroscopy does not hurt but it may feel uncomfortable to begin with. The endoscope passes through the oesophagus, and not the trachea (windpipe), so it is possible to breathe normally throughout the procedure.
Most people are able to go home after resting for about half an hour, or longer if they have had a sedative.
The effects of a sedative tend to last longer than people realise. If a sedative has been given, it is not safe to drive, operate machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours after the examination. This means that anyone who has a sedative will need to be accompanied home by someone who will stay with them for the first 24 hours.
Once home, it's sensible to take it easy for the next 24 hours. Most people feel able to resume normal activities on the following day.
If any of the following symptoms develop up to 48 hours after the procedure, the hospital or a GP should be contacted immediately:
If a biopsy has been done, the results will be ready several days later and will usually be sent in a report to the doctor who recommended the test. Any other findings may be discussed before leaving the hospital. After having a sedative, it can be helpful to have someone else present when findings are discussed, as it may be difficult to remember afterwards what has been said.
A gastroscopy is a commonly performed and generally safe procedure. However, in order to give informed consent, anyone deciding whether or not to have this procedure needs to be aware of the possible side effects and the risk of complications.
Side-effects are the unwanted but usually mild and temporary effects of a successful procedure. For this procedure, they may include:
Complications are unexpected problems that can occur during or after the procedure. Most people are not affected. The possible complications of a gastroscopy include:
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of procedure that is being performed and other factors such as the person's general health.
Technical and Complete Description of "Endoscopies" of various types.
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