Gastroscopy

After local anaesthesia, which is given as a throat spray, and a sedative, which is given as an injection, the procedure will be carried out in a state of dormancy.
A thin, flexible optical tube is introduced through the mouth, and under visual control pushed to the small intestine. During the examination, your stomach will be inflated with air, allowing for a better view. This may lead to temporary bloating or a feeling of light pressure in the stomach.
As a matter of routine a painless biopsy (a small sample of tissue) is taken to detect the Helicobacter Pylori bacteria, which can cause damage to the mucosa, and is examined histologically under a microscope. Biopsies are also taken from conspicuous mucosal areas and stomach ulcers.

A gastroscopy should be carried out with symptoms such as

• Heartburn
• Unclear upper abdominal (stomach) complaints
• Difficulty swallowing
• Anaemia and iron deficiency
• Suspicion of ulcer in stomach or duodenum
• Cancer of the stomach

Preparing for a gastroscopy

• The examination is carried out with an empty stomach. Please do not eat for 8 hours before your gastroscopy. You can drink water until 4 hours before the examination. Medication should be taken at least 2 hours in advance (with the exception of medicines for blood sugar).
• There are no dietary directions after the discharge from the outpatient examination.
• Please bring a towel on the day of examination
• If you chose to have "gentle endoscopy with conscious sedation“, please bear in mind that you are not allowed to participate in traffic. Therefore it is inevitable you arrange for someone to drive you home after the examination.
• The findings from tissue samples will be sent to you.
• If you can not keep the appointment for the examination, please call us not later than 4 days in advance. Please understand that without prior notice we have to charge a fee of € 150,-