Endoscopy, is a procedure done by an expert gastroenterologist in order to have a look in your esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and the upper part of your small intestine. The procedure helps your doctor to confirm or rule out a variety of conditions such as, reflux, hiatal hernia, gastritis (inflammation), ulcers, tumors / polyps and more.

 

The procedure is done with the help of an endoscope which is a thin, flexile tube that has a video-camera and a light on the tip. The camera image is transmitted to a video screen where your doctor can safely view the inside of your digestive tract, and also, will be able to use certain tools through the endoscope to take a biopsy, remove polyps or to do any endoscopic therapy when needed.

 

To prepare for an Upper Endoscopy, you only need to be fasting for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure, in order to ensure that your stomach is empty, giving the gastroenterologist a better and more accurate clear image.

 

Before starting the procedure, you will be given an anesthetic spray to numb your throat. A plastic mouth guard will be placed to hold open your mouth during the procedure. You will receive an intravenous sedative to help you relax and sleep, and once you are sleeping your doctor will start the upper endoscopy inserting the scope through your mouth, all the way down to your esophagus, stomach and proximal part of your duodenum (small intestine).

 

Gastroscopy is in general a safe procedure with a wide range of benefits for you.