Gastroscopy & Biopsy

Gastroscopy and Biopsy

Procedure :     

* Gastroscopy is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (duodenum). • It is also sometimes referred to as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

* The endoscope has a light and a camera at one end.

• Gastroscopy can be used to diagnose a specific condition, allowing the endoscopist to see any redness, holes, lumps, blockages, or other unusual abnormalities.
• If abnormalities are detected, a sample of tissue (biopsy) can be removed and sent to a laboratory for closer examination under a microscope. The patient will not feel anything while the sample is removed.

* Gastroscopy usually takes less than 15 minutes, and it usually takes longer unless it is being used to treat a condition.

• Patients are sedated during the endoscopy procedure, and should not drive themselves home

Preparation :

* Patients will be told whether they need to stop taking any of their medications beforehand. Medications such as insulin or metformin, or any blood-thinning medication (used to prevent blood clots), such as low-dose aspirin, warfarin, or clopidogrel, will be instructed to stop taking them two weeks before the procedure, as the medication can mask some of the problems that the gastroscopy needs to find. • It is also important that the stomach is empty during the gastroscopy, so that the entire area can be seen clearly. • Patients are usually asked not to eat anything for 6 to 8 hours before the procedure, and to stop drinking

* For 2 to 3 hours before the procedure