Gastroscopy

 Gastroscopy is a modern way of examining  the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum).

This examination is short and painless.

Endoscopic procedure- gastroscopy is performed to pinpoint the exact cause of digestive problems and symptoms such as nausea,vomiting,pain in the stomach, anaemia, diarrhea, cancer of the digestive tract, difficulty swallowing and bleeding ulcers.

The Endocenter of the Atlas general hospital is equipped with special endoscopic instruments with the help of which, the following procedures can be carried out:

-cauterization of a blood vessel in order to stop the bleeding (clipping)

-widening of the narrow esophagus

-polyp removal by resection

-foreign body removal

The endoscope in the Atlas hospital enables doctors to use a special technology with a special colour of the light for early detection of precancerous cells,such as Baret’s esophagus.

How to prepare for gastroscopy?

Your doctor will give you exact instructions how to prepare for gastroscopy.

The best and safest way to do the test is on an empty stomach,so you should have nothing to eat and drink,including water, 4-8 hours before the examination.It is very important to tell your doctor up to 5 days in advance about any medications you take.You might need to adjust your usual dose for the examination or even stop certain medications like iron tablets or blood thinning medications like warfarin. Discuss any allergies to medications as well as medical conditions,such as heart or lung disease.

How is the procedure carried out?

Gastroscopy often takes between 10 and 20 minutes, although it may take longer if it is being used to treat a condition.

A local anesthetic spray will be used to numb your throat for the procedure and you may also have a sedative injection.

The sedative will help you feel drowsy and relaxed during the procedure.

The local anesthetic spray is then given and a small plastic  mouth guard is placed in your mouth to hold it open and protect your teeth.

You will be asked to lie down on your left-hand side and a doctor will insert an endoscope into your throat. They’ll ask you to swallow it to help move it down into your esophagus.

This may be uncomfortable at first and you may feel sick but this should pass as the endoscope is moved further down.

During the procedure, a tissue sample (biopsy) can be taken and sent to a lab for closer examination. You won’t feel anything while the sample is taken.

What to expect after gastroscopy?

After the procedure, you’ll be taken to a recovery area.

If you didn’t have a sedative, you can usually go home soon after the procedure is finished.

If you had a sedative, you’ll need to rest quietly for a few minutes or hours until the sedative has worn off.

It’s normal to feel bloated, have cramps or a sore throat for a day or two after a gastroscopy.

If you develop signs  of a more serious problem you should contact your doctor immediately.

Results of gastroscopy

Your doctor may be able to talk to you about some of the findings right after your endoscopy.But the medicines you get to help relax you,  may impair your memory, so your doctor may wait until they fully wear off. If biopsy has been performed it may take 2-4 days for some results.

Endoscopy – gastroscopy is a very safe procedure.

Rare complications include bleeding, infection and damage of the wall of some digestive organs. All these complications may be avoided by following your doctor’s advice concerning your preparation for endoscopy.

In the Atlas general hospital there is a special block for functional diagnostics with the operating theatre, most advanced type of endoscope with a special light source for detecting pathological changes.There is also intensive care unit and patients’ suites.

The team of eminent gastroenterologists and surgeons of the Atlas general hospital perform all the examinations and procedures.

Experts: Diagnostic – gastroscopy

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  Prof. dr Prof. dr Sokić – Milutinović Aleksandra

  Gastroenterologist
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  Mr. sci. med dr Mr. sci. med. dr Martinović Lena

  Gastroenterologist