Gastroscopy
What is a gastroscopy?
Also known as a G-scope or esophagogastroduodenoscopy is an endoscopic examination of your upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach and duodenum). A flexible scoop with a camera is used for evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
What are the indications for the scope:
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing either solids or liquids)
- Heartburn or GERD
- Abdominal pain
- Anaemia
- Asthma
- Atypical chest pain
- Shortness of breath or persistent cough
- Barrett’s esophagus
What do we look for during a gastroscopy?
The oesophagus (food pipe), gastroesophageal junction, stomach, pylorus and first part of the duodenum is examined for abnormalities, ulcerations, cancers and presence of hiatal hernia. If suspicious areas are found, biopsies will be taken and sent to the lab for further examination.
What the procedure entails
This is usually done as a day case. You will be placed under conscious sedation by an experienced and qualified anaesthesist. Local anaesthesia will be sprayed at the back of your throat to numb the area. A small camera will be placed into the mouth and advanced into the oesopahgus, stomach and duodenum.