Why perform a gastroscopy?
There are many reasons why a doctor would recommend a gastroscopy exam. Disorders of the upper digestive tract are quite common in our stressful society. Various factors such as diet, environment, and heredity contribute to these conditions. Gastroscopy is often useful in diagnosing and treating problems such as: • Abdominal pain • Acid reflux (GERD) • Bleeding from the digestive tract • Cancers of the stomach or esophagus • Chronic heartburn and indigestion • Dilatation of esophageal strictures • Gastritis, or stomach inflammation • Helicobacter pylori “Ulcer Bacteria” • Hiatal hernia • Removal of swallowed objects • Stomach polyps • Trouble swallowing • Ulcers of the esophagus • Ulcers of the stomach • Ulcers of the duodenum • Unexplained chest pain A simple preparation A gastroscopy exam requires very little preparation. Of course, the stomach must be empty for an accurate examination so patients are asked not to eat or drink for at least six hours before the test. Since sedation is
