Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is a medical term that has two parts: gastro for "stomach," and scopy for "looking."  Gastroscopy is a non-surgical technique that can aid in diagnosing problems of the upper digestive system. It is an examination of the inside of the gullet, stomach and duodenum. Gastroscopy is performed by using a thin, flexible fibre-optic instrument that is passed through the mouth and allows the doctor to see whether there is any damage to the lining of the oesophagus (gullet) or stomach, and whether there are any ulcers in the stomach or duodenum. The technical name for this test is Esophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy. To simplify things the shortened form of the name GASTROSCOPY is usually used, or the initials EGD. The examination is quick and painless. There is no incision.

Disorders of the upper digestive tract are quite common now-a-days. Various factors such as diet, environment, and heredity contribute to these conditions. Gastroscopy is often useful in diagnosing and treating problems such as: abdominal pain, digestive tract bleeding, indigestion, chronic heartburn, stomach or esophagus cancer, esophageal strictures Dilatation, Stomach polyps diagnosis and removal, stomach inflammation or gastritis, hiatal hernia, ulcer bacteria treatment, swallowed objects removal, stomach or esophagus or duodenum ulcer, etc

Gastroscopy, then, is a diagnostic test that enables the doctor to look inside your stomach. The instrument used to perform this simple test is the gastroscope; a long, thin, flexible fiberoptic tube. Within the end of this remarkable device is a miniaturized color TV camera with a wide angle lens. By passing this "scope" into your stomach, your doctor can directly examine the lining of your upper digestive system on a television monitor.