Diagnostic gastroscopy is one of several types of endoscopies with diverse applications in the medical field. Gastrointestinal endoscopes are utilized for both diagnosis and treatment in various disease scenarios. Physicians prefer endoscopies due to their ability to examine internal organs without the need for traditional incision surgery. One specific type used in cases of swallowing difficulties and digestive issues is the diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscope.
The use of Diagnostic gastroscopy involves a detailed examination of the upper or lower parts of the digestive system. Doctors request this type of endoscope when there is suspicion of digestive system issues such as gastric ulcers, stomach and intestinal infections, blockages, bleeding, tumors, or other problems diagnosable or treatable through this procedure.
In general, the decision to perform Diagnostic gastroscopy depends on the patient’s symptoms and complaints, which may include difficulty swallowing, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or any signs indicating digestive system disorders.
What is a Diagnostic gastroscopy?
The diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscope includes a long, thin, and flexible tube called an endoscope, which is passed through the throat to view the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. It is also known as an upper gastrointestinal endoscope.
At the end of the tube, there is a camera and light that enable the doctor to examine anything abnormal in these parts of your body, diagnosing any conditions you may have or identifying the cause of discomfort.
When Would Your Doctor Recommend Diagnostic gastroscopy?
A doctor might recommend diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy if you are experiencing symptoms such as:
- Digestive difficulties and stomach acidity.
- Acid reflux.
- Persistent throat inflammation.
- Chronic cough, especially at night.
- Chest pain unrelated to heart issues.
- Vomiting, especially if there is blood.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Bleeding, particularly black or tarry stools.
Diagnostic gastroscopy can also be used to diagnose various conditions, including:
- Gastric and small intestine ulcers.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Inflammatory and gluten-sensitive diseases.
- Detection of abnormal cells in the esophageal lining, known as Barrett’s esophagus.
- Monitoring and diagnosing varices in the stomach and esophagus caused by high liver blood pressure.
- Diagnosing and monitoring stomach and intestinal tumors.
The diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscope is considered a valuable tool in identifying these conditions and providing an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive examination of the internal parts of the stomach and intestines.
How to Prepare for Diagnostic Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy?
Before undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, you will need to empty your stomach. This is to reduce the chances of vomiting and to ensure clear visibility of your stomach.
This means refraining from eating for 4-6 hours before the procedure.
If you regularly use medications for acid reflux, it might be advisable to stop using them for two weeks before the endoscopy. These medications can impact the results by masking some problems or disorders that may not appear during the examination.
If you are taking medications such as insulin for diabetes or blood-thinning medications like aspirin, it is essential to communicate with the doctor responsible for the endoscopy. The doctor may need to adjust the medication dosage before the examination or take specific measures during the procedure to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the examination.
Steps of Diagnostic gastroscopy:
- Sedatives may be taken to help you relax.
- The doctor sprays a local anesthetic in the back of your mouth to numb your throat.
- The doctor inserts a long, thin, and flexible tube (the endoscope) into your mouth.
- You may be asked to help the endoscope pass through your throat by swallowing.
- The tube is passed through the esophagus, into your stomach, and then into the duodenum, the upper part of the small intestine.
- A small camera at the end of the endoscope sends high-quality images to a computer screen.
- A gastrointestinal endoscopy specialist uses these images to examine the entire upper gastrointestinal tract, looking for ulcers, bleeding, or inflammation.
- During diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, the doctor may use various surgical tools to:
- Take a tissue sample.
- Remove benign tumors.
- Stop bleeding by coagulating tissues.
- Open the esophagus if it has become narrow.
- Treat some upper gastrointestinal diseases.
Post-Diagnostic gastroscopy:
If you haven’t taken a sedative, you can return to your normal activities after leaving the clinic.
However, if you have taken a sedative, you may need some time until the drowsiness wears off.
Side Effects and Complications of Diagnostic Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy:
Various types of endoscopes have different applications, and the procedures are generally safe, with a low occurrence of complications. However, some rare side effects may include:
- Temporary tingling or general drowsiness, heart rate disturbances, or difficulty breathing due to the effects of sedation. These occurrences are rare and can be managed when they happen.
- Minor bleeding may occur due to injury to a blood vessel during the endoscopy, but it is usually not significant and stops spontaneously.
- Perforation of the stomach is an extremely rare event during endoscopy, and if it does occur, it usually heals on its own.
Despite the rarity of these complications, it is essential to always discuss potential risks and preventive measures with the doctor before the procedure. This includes meeting specific requirements such as discontinuing certain medications before the operation, contributing to risk reduction and ensuring the procedure’s safety.
Results of Diagnostic gastroscopy
The doctor will discuss the test results, including any tissues removed during the procedure. These results are typically available within three to four days. The doctor will explain the diagnosis and discuss available treatment options.
Cost of Gastrointestinal Endoscopies:
The prices of gastrointestinal endoscopies vary from one doctor to another. Several factors contribute to this price variation, such as the type of endoscope used. Different endoscopes specialize in examining specific areas of the body. For instance, there is an endoscope used for examining the small intestine, another for the colon, and yet another for the stomach. This leads to cost differences.
The procedures performed with each endoscope also vary from previous endoscopies, and the reasons for conducting the examination differ, making it challenging to determine uniform costs for different types of gastrointestinal endoscopies.
Other factors influencing gastrointestinal endoscopy prices include:
- Doctor’s experience and skill.
- Location of the examination.
- Level of cleanliness and sterilization.
Where Can I Undergo Diagnostic Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy?
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is considered the best doctor for conducting gastrointestinal endoscopies. He is a consultant in hepatology and gastroenterology, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in England, and a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Currently, Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie serves as a lecturer in general internal medicine, liver, and gastroenterology at Al-Azhar University Faculty of Medicine in Cairo. Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regularly participates in local and international scientific conferences and has numerous scientific research publications in prestigious medical journals.
Book your appointment now if you would like to consult with Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regarding various types of gastrointestinal endoscopies and the latest diagnostic and treatment methods.