In an era where wireless technology has become a necessary lifestyle, diagnosing diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, can be done quickly and accurately through gastroscopy (Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy). This procedure allows clear visualization of abnormalities inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum via a television screen.
Pathway of Gastroscopy
For upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, patients must fast from food and water for 6 hours before the procedure. The doctor will spray a local anesthetic on the throat and/or administer intravenous sedation, then insert a small, soft tube with a light through the mouth, passing down the esophagus to the duodenum to examine the gastrointestinal tract. If abnormalities are found, tissue samples can be taken for further examination.
After the procedure, the throat will still feel numb and swallowing may be difficult for about 30 minutes. If there is saliva, it should be spit out. Once the numbness in the throat subsides, drinking and eating can resume.
Indications for Gastroscopy
- Upper abdominal pain that does not improve after appropriate treatment
- Persistent vomiting for an unknown cause
- Bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract
- Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
- Anemia with an unclear source of bleeding
- Weight loss and loss of appetite suspected to originate from the stomach
- Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms that do not improve with medication
- Confirmation of ulcers or tumors in the stomach
- Biopsy of tissue, fluids, or digestive juices for examination
- Removal of polyps or destruction of tumors in the upper gastrointestinal tract
Benefits of Gastroscopy
Tissue, secretions, and samples can be taken for laboratory examination. It can also be used to stop bleeding inside organs, including injecting medication into the stomach to reduce inflammation and control bleeding simultaneously during the procedure, all without causing pain to the patient.
Dr. Sirinthip Srideemma
Head of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Liver Disease Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
