Introduction to Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

This medical jargon may sound like the longest word in the medical dictionary but it basically a look into the stomach with a specific instrument. Also known as the OGD or UGIE -Upper GI Endoscopy, this gastroscopy procedure allowed the doctor to view the lining of the gullet and the stomach and the duodenum of the small intestine.

The gastroscopy procedure includes passing of a thin flexible lighted tube with a camera attached to it through the mouth, so that the insides of the gullet, stomach and duodenum can be seen on a monitor screen. The flexible tube is called a gastroscope and it can also hold special instruments like forceps which helps in the painless removal of the sample tissue for biopsy for lab test and analysis.

Gastroscopy complicationsare rare and negligible and mostly consist of the common anesthetic and surgical risks. The various complications may be bleeding (hemorrhage), respiratory arrest or slower breathing, fluid in the lungs, rapid heart beats, perforation of the bowel, and reaction to sedative drugs or damage to dental bridgework. The other risks may be bruising and swelling, numb or sore throat, feeling bloated or sleepy effect of sedation.

The patient about to undergo gastroscopy should have his stomach and duodenum clear for a better view. Hence, no food or water should be taken at least 4 hours before the test. Also, one should call for endoscopy in the case of diabetic patient taking insulin, or having a lung, kidney or heart problem. Also, intake of blood thinning tablets has to be stopped and antibiotics need to be taken for operations on heart or arteries, using artificial parts like heart valve of grafts. The doctor also needs to be informed in case of pregnancy.

One should not be panicky as gastroscopy is a relatively simpler procedure. It can help the patient if he/she listens and follows the doctor's instructions religiously and stays calm and relaxed during the test. Taking slow deep breaths also stops the urge to retch. One may experience soreness at the back of the throat but that feeling goes away in a day. Bloating sensation may also create some discomfort but it too is for a short while. The patient may start with light meals in the next 24 hours.

The medical services online give information about various alternatives to gastroscopy like X-ray examination with a barium meal but the problem is it only points out the abnormal area and there is no scope of biopsy being done. One can learn more about the procedure by watching gastroscopy video online for a better understanding.

Docturs.Com is a great platform to know any healthcare information. Our gastroscopy video would help you in knowing more about gastroscopy procedure.
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