GASTROSCOPY

Gastroscopy (Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy)

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy) is a commonly performed procedure. It allows an examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract for abnormalities, which may be recorded on photograph. This procedure also allows the removal of polyps (small benign growths), injection of bleeding blood vessels, the taking of samples of tissue (biopsies) for examination by a pathologist, and dilatation of strictures in the oesophagus. Gastroscopy also allows insertion of a feeding tube into the stomach through the abdominal wall (PEG tube) for patients who are unable to eat.

How is Gastroscopy Done?

A soft, thin flexible tube is passed into the stomach via the mouth. This takes about 5 minutes and is done under intravenous sedation.