Gastroscopy

Dr D A Ware · Dr G V Price · Dr J A Crane · Dr G A Preest· Dr O Thomas

There are many names used to describe this test. It is sometimes called "endoscopy" or "magic eye" test.

Why is it done? It is done to investigate disorders of the oesophagus ("gullet"), stomach and duodenum (the tube that receives food from the stomach). Your Doctor may decide to arrange this test if you have experienced indigestion, stomach pains, chest pains or difficulty swallowing - although there are other reasons for performing the test.

How is it done? It is done by swallowing a video camera - but don't worry, the camera is very much smaller than the ones that you buy in the shops! The camera is incorporated into the end of a flexible tube, about the size of a fountain pen. You will be awake during the procedure, but you may be given a sedative beforehand to help you to relax. Before the endoscope (that's the name for the flexible camera) is passed, you will be asked to lie on a hospital trolley. You may be given a local anaesthetic throat spray (this will reduce the sensation at the back of the mouth to make the procedure more comfortable for you). Then, a clean endoscope will be lubricated and you will be asked to swallow it. As you swallow the endoscope, the Doctor can view your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. .

So all you do is "take a look", then? No, not quite. If the Doctor finds a lesion (for example an ulcer) it may be possible to take a biopsy for analysis. A biopsy means to take a small fragment of tissue away to view under a microscope. This is a way of accurately diagnosing exactly what the lesion is, so that you may receive the best and most appropriate treatment. It is also possible to perform surgical procedures on the outlet of the bile and pancreatic ducts into the duodenum. This may be done to release gall stones or investigate pancreatic disorders. Some people have a narrowing of the oesophagus and this can by released by inflating a temporary balloon in the gullet.

How long does it take? The procedure is over in a few minutes and, provided there are no problems, you will be allowed home.

Where is it done? All of our endoscopies are performed in hospital.

How long does it take to get the result? We normally receive the result within a few days. If a biopsy has been taken, the result of the biopsy may follow at a later date (after it has been processed and analysed by a Pathologist). If the test has been ordered by your GP it will come back directly to the Medical Centre and you should make an appointment to discuss the result with your GP after checking that the result is in.

What does the test tell you? It can be useful to diagnose a number of conditions. Equally, it may be useful to confirm that "all is well". A number of conditions may be diagnosed. These include oesophageal stricture (narrowing of the gullet), hiatus hernia, stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers. It may also reveal a malignant (cancerous) lesion.

What is "Helicobacter Pylori"? Would you believe it if I said that duodenal ulcers may be caused by a bacteria? Well, it's true! Within recent years we have discovered a new bacteria ("bug") called Helicobacter Pylori. We now know that this bacterium can lead to duodenal ulcers and this can be tested when you have your endoscopy.

What does it mean if I am infected with Helicobacter Pylori? Many years ago, if you had a duodenal ulcer you might have needed an operation or lifelong treatment with tablets. However, if your ulcer is due to this bug, it may be possible to eradicate the bug by taking a short course of tablets. This usually involves a combination of antibiotics and anti ulcer medicine for, usually, less than 2 weeks.

The information contained on this site is general information which is not in any way intended to replace the specific advice that patients may obtain from their own doctor about individual care.