Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is an examination that allows the inner lining of your esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) to be seen and evaluated.
Before the examination
Important
- Fast from midnight.
- Bring an up-to-date list of the medications you are taking.
- Bring your health insurance card.
- Bring your hospital card (if you do not have one, we will make one for you).
You may be asked to temporarily stop some of your medications before the procedure (for example, anticoagulants).
After the examination
You must be accompanied for your return home.
It is important to know that you cannot drive for the 24 hours following your examination, if it required sedation.
How a gastroscopy is performed
You will be administered medication to facilitate the examination and for your comfort. After anesthetizing (freezing) your throat locally, the doctor will introduce a small flexible tube, the width of a little finger, called a gastroscope through your mouth into your stomach. With the help of an optical fibre (camera), the doctor sees the images projected onto a screen allowing the examination to proceed. This examination detects abnormalities in the lining of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. It can confirm or eliminate a diagnosis.
Biopsy
During the examination, it is possible to painlessly conduct a biopsy. In this case, a small instrument is introduced into the gastroscope to remove a tissue fragment. The collected sample is sent to the hospital laboratory for analysis.
Length of the examination
The examination lasts for about 10 minutes, and you will remain under observation for approximately 30 minutes or more depending on your situation. You must not eat or drink anything for one hour after your examination to make sure that your throat is properly unfrozen.