<Gastroscopy>

What is Gastroscopy/ Upper Endoscopy/ OGD?

Gastroscopy is also called oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) or upper endoscopy. A gastroscopy is an examination of the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and proximal duodenum by inserting an endoscope from the mouth to proximal duodenum. During gastroscopy, extra procedures can be done, e.g. biopsies, polypectomies, hemostasis etc., if necessary.

Indications for Gastroscopy

  • Stomach pain
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Food / acid / gas reflux
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Upper abdominal pain or mass
  • Abdominal cramps/mass
  • Blood in vomitus/feces
  • Black and red blood stains/blood clots in the stool
  • Positive fecal occult blood test
  • Family members have suffered from gastric cancer

Before Gastroscopy:

Stop eating and drinking 6 hours before upper endoscopy

During Gastroscopy

Doctors will sedate the patients, and patients usually will feel no pain and will not recall any discomfort during the procedure. Doctors pass the endoscope through the patients' mouth to the duodenum. Through the video screen, doctors can diagnose diseases inside the upper gastrointestinal tract. If polyps are found, they can be removed immediately and sent for histological examination. If cancer is found, the doctor will take a biopsy for histological examination. In addition, doctors will take some stomach tissue to test for the presence of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which may cause gastric/duodenal inflammation, ulcers, or even stomach cancer.

After Gastroscopy

  • Resume regular diet after upper endoscopy.
  • There may be some mild stomach bloating, but the situation will improve gradually.
  • Surgeons will explain the gastroscopy results to the patient after the procedure.