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A gastroscopy or an endoscopy might be ordered if your doctor needs to look inside your body. Both are non-invasive procedures that enable your doctor to check your insides without opening you up.
We discuss the differences between these two procedures and when each one is used in this article.
What is a gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy involves using an endoscope to examine the upper part of the digestive tract.
The endoscope is inserted via the patient's mouth into the oesophagus and then into the stomach and the duodenum (small intestine) during the procedure. Your doctor will be able to view images of these areas on a monitor through the camera and light on the endoscope.
A gastroscopy is also referred to as an oesophageal gastric duodenoscopy (OGD) or an upper endoscopy.
What is a gastroscopy looking for?
A gastroscopy is typically performed when the patient has symptoms like issues swallowing, indigestion, or nausea. Your doctor may look for signs of inflammation, ulcers, polyps or even cancer.
Besides this, a gastroscopy can be used to treat certain conditions, including bleeding ulcers, widening of a narrow oesophagus (dilatation), and removal of a foreign body. Your doctor can also take tissue samples if they spot any abnormal tissues during the procedure.
What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy enables doctors to examine organs and tissues inside your body without making a large incision. An endoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera) is inserted into an opening (such as your mouth) or via a small cut. Your doctor will be able to view images taken by the camera on a screen.
Besides looking inside your body, an endoscopy can also remove a small sample of tissue to be tested further. This is referred to as an endoscopic biopsy.
Types of endoscopy procedures
Different types of endoscopy procedures look at different parts of the body, and the type used is dependent on the patient’s symptoms.
What diseases can be detected by an endoscopy?
Your doctor may perform an endoscopy if you’re presenting with signs of the following conditions:
Is there a difference between an endoscopy and a gastroscopy?
Yes, there are several key differences between an endoscopy and a gastroscopy. These include:
Similarities between gastroscopy and endoscopy
Because a gastroscopy is a type of endoscopy, there are, of course, ways in while they are similar, including:
Is an upper endoscopy the same as a gastroscopy?
Yes, a gastroscopy is sometimes called an upper endoscopy or an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Are you asleep during gastroscopy?
A local anaesthetic spray to numb your throat will usually be administered, rather than a sedative. This is because a gastroscopy is not usually painful, although it can be unpleasant.
Nonetheless, you can request a sedative. Young children are also likely to be given general anaesthesia for this procedure, meaning that they will be asleep when it’s carried out. Do ensure that you have someone to pick you up from the hospital if you’ve taken a sedative.
When is gastroscopy recommended?
Your doctor might recommend a gastroscopy if you are presenting with the following symptoms:
A gastroscopy is also sometimes performed during a post stomach surgery check-up.
Gastroscopy & Endoscopy at Gleneagles Hospital
Both endoscopy and gastroscopy are procedures that enable doctors to view your insides without surgery. As such, they are highly favourable options if you are presenting with certain symptoms.
Gleneagles Hospital provides various endoscopy procedures, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy. The multidisciplinary team of doctors are prudent in detailing a customised treatment plan for patients to ensure the best possible outcomes. You can rest assured that you will be taken care of to the best of our ability.
If you have been having symptoms related to your digestive system, make an appointment with the team of gastroenterology specialists at Gleneagles Hospital for consultation.
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