Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy sometimes shortened to gastroscopy, gives your physician a direct view of the upper part of your digestive tract. A device called a fiberoptic endoscope is inserted through your mouth into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

This thin, flexible tube, equipped with a lighting and lense system enables the specially trained physician to examine the interior of your digestive tract. A channel within the gastroscope permits the passage of instruments that allow the physician to take samples of tissue and fluid and to perform certain treatments.

As with a barium X-ray, you must fast or restrict yourself to liquids for several hours prior to the gastrointestinal endoscopy examination. This procedure usually is done on an outpatient basis. If a sedative is used, do not drive that day.

Before the physician inserts the tube, a local anesthetic may be sprayed into your mouth and throat to dull the gag reflex that may be produced by the pressure of the tube on the back of your tongue and throat. You also may be given an intravenous injection of medication to sedate your partially. You may feel some mild discomfort or fullness as the tube is inserted or when air is introduced.

Your physician will pass the instrument through the esophagus, into the stomach, and then into the upper portion of the small bowel (duodenum) in order to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract. Some air will be passed through the instrument to open these regions for an adequate gastrointestinal endoscopy examination.

In recent years, gastrointestinal endoscopy has proved its usefulness in the diagnosis of many gastrointestinal diseases by permitting both direct observation and biopsy. The channels in the endoscope also allow the passage of devices that can remove small growths, polyps, or swallowed foreign bodies.

Special catheters can be inserted to scar or clip bleeding varices. Also, devices can be passed through the channels of the gastroscope that allow electrical current or laser light to be used to stop bleeding lesions or destroy tumor tissue. Narrowed areas, especially in the esophagus, may be stretched to improve swallowing.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is very safe. However, it should be done only by physicians experienced in the use of the endoscope. Very rarely, bleeding or perforation injuries may occur. Gastrointestinal endoscopy is often used for the following conditions: esophagitis, swallowing difficulties, peptic ulcers, cancer, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and surveillance examinations. Considering the safe nature of the procedure and the consequences it can prevent, there should be no hesitation if your physician suggests a gastrointestinal endoscopy to make sure all is well in your digestive tract.