What Is a Gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy is also known as an upper endoscopy. It is a diagnostic procedure used to diagnose problems of the upper digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine. A gastroscopy is performed by a gastroenterologist. Dr. Vikram Jayanty in Houston, TX, provides comprehensive gastroenterology services, including gastroscopies.

What You Need To Know About a Gastroscopy

Our gastroenterologist might recommend a gastroscopy if you have the following:

• Chronic abdominal or stomach pain
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Episodes of frequent nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

A gastroscopy is commonly used to diagnose:

• Anemia
• Peptic ulcers
• Celiac disease
• Inflammation of the esophagus
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Cancers of the esophagus, stomach, or upper intestine

You will be sedated during a gastroscopy, so you must bring someone with you who can drive you home after the procedure. You should also stop taking blood thinning medications, including aspirin, the day before your gastroscopy.

During a gastroscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera attached to one end is inserted into your throat and guided down into your esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine. The camera allows your gastroenterologist to examine your upper digestive system. If you have growths or abnormal tissue areas, the growth or a tissue sample can be removed for a biopsy.

A gastroscopy is an important diagnostic tool to assess the health of your upper digestive system. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, requiring no hospital stay. A gastroscopy can give our gastroenterologist useful information about the health of your upper digestive system. It is an excellent tool to diagnose upper digestive problems early. Early diagnosis leads to early treatment, which provides a better outcome for you.

Want To Know More?

To find out more about a gastroscopy, also known as an upper endoscopy, and how this diagnostic procedure can help you, talk with Dr. Vikram Jayanty in Houston, TX. Call (713) 932-9200 today.