Gastroscopy – when is it performed and how to prepare for it?

Gastroscopy, also called endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract, is a commonly used diagnostic test that allows for a detailed examination and assessment of the condition of the mucosa of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.

It is an important tool in the diagnosis of many diseases of the stomach and digestive tract. In this article, we will discuss what exactly gastroscopy is, what are the indications for its performance, how to prepare for it and what to expect during the examination itself.

Gastroscopy – what is this test and how much does it cost?

Gastroscopy is a diagnostic procedure that involves introducing a flexible endoscope equipped with an optical camera into the patient’s upper gastrointestinal tract. Thanks to this, the doctor can carefully examine and assess the mucosa of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. This test is performed to diagnose various conditions such as stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, polyps, and to monitor the condition of the mucosa in patients with chronic reflux disease or gastritis.

When it comes to the costs of gastroscopy, it is worth noting that they vary and depend on the region and type of medical facility. In Poland, the price of this test may range from PLN 200 to PLN 500.

Indications and contraindications to gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is performed for various reasons. Here are some of the main indications for this test:

• Chronic pain in the upper abdomen
• Unusual symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Weight loss for no apparent reason
• Monitoring the condition of the mucosa in patients with chronic reflux disease
• Diagnosis and monitoring of stomach diseases, such as ulcers and polyps

However, there are also some contraindications to gastroscopy. These are among others:

• Pregnancy in an advanced stage
• Serious problems with the coagulation system
• Respiratory diseases that may increase the risk of complications during the examination
• Patient’s refusal to undergo gastroscopy

Before performing the test, the doctor always assesses whether the patient meets the criteria for the test and whether there are any contraindications.

Home tests for detecting h. pylori and gastroscopy

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the main factors causing stomach diseases, such as stomach ulcers and mucositis. There are home tests to detect the presence of H. pylori in the body that are relatively easy to perform. However, their results are not always accurate, so if the presence of this bacteria is suspected, your doctor may recommend gastroscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

Gastroscopy – how to prepare for it?

Preparation for gastroscopy is an important element that influences the course of the examination. Here are some steps to take before your planned test:

1. You should refrain from eating and drinking for a few hours before the examination.
2. If you are on any medications, it is worth checking with your doctor whether they should be discontinued before your gastroscopy.
3. It is also necessary to inform your doctor about your allergies and possible health problems.
4. The patient should come for the examination on an empty stomach, without makeup and jewelry, which may make the procedure more difficult.

How is gastroscopy performed?

The gastroscopy examination itself is usually performed in a specialist office or hospital. The patient is placed in a lying or semi-lying position on the left side. The doctor then inserts a flexible endoscope through the patient’s mouth and carefully moves it down the esophagus, into the stomach, and into the duodenum. During the examination, the doctor may simultaneously assess the mucosa and, if necessary, perform various procedures, such as taking samples of the mucosa or removing polyps.

Is gastroscopy safe?

Gastroscopy is generally considered a safe test, but like any medical procedure, it may carry some risks. The most common symptoms after gastroscopy are slight pain in the throat and a temporary feeling of discomfort. In very rare cases, complications may occur, such as damage to the mucous membrane or allergic reactions to the agents used during the examination.

Tips for the patient after gastroscopy

After gastroscopy, the patient should follow several recommendations:

• You should not eat or drink for several hours after the examination to allow your throat to recover after the endoscope is inserted.
• If you experience any complications or disturbing symptoms after the test, you should consult your doctor immediately.
• After approximately 24 hours, you can return to your normal diet and physical activity unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Your suggestions

If you have any suggestions or questions about gastroscopy, it is always worth consulting your doctor or gastroenterologist. It is always better to prepare well for the examination and understand its course and possible consequences.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of digestive health and diagnostics, we also recommend reading other articles on our website, such as “When should you undergo a colonoscopy?” and “Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and treatment.”

It is worth taking care of your health and undergoing regular diagnostic tests to help detect possible diseases and treat them early.