Everything You Need to Know About a Gastroscopy

Everything You Need to Know About a Gastroscopy 

From persistent heartburn to unexplained stomach pain, a myriad of gastrointestinal complaints force thousands of people to seek medical advice annually. A gastroscopy, also known as an endoscopy of the upper digestive tract, could be just what you need to restore your digestive health and peace of mind. 

If you’re considering a gastroscopy procedure in South Africa or wondering where to turn for expert care, read on. Everything you need to know about this potentially vital examination is explained here. 

The Procedure Explained 

A gastroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure for examining the upper digestive tract (the oesophagus, stomach, and the first section of the small intestine). 

Specialists use a thin, flexible tube equipped with a tiny camera to conduct a detailed examination of the digestive tract, providing real-time visuals and the option to collect tissue biopsies if indicated. 

The procedure enables precise diagnosis and treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders, including: 

• Persistent acid reflux or heartburn
• Recurring indigestion
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Unexplained stomach pain or vomiting
• Suspected ulcers, inflammation, or cancers 

Intercare’s state-of-the-art day hospitals offer comprehensive endoscopy services, providing a faster, safer, and more comfortable experience for patients. The hospital’s experienced medical practitioners work as a multidisciplinary team, providing a comprehensive service, from screening to diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. 

 

When to Consider This Procedure 

If you have repeated or persistent digestive health issues, your doctor may recommend a gastroscopy for diagnosis and possible intervention. Here are the top reasons your healthcare provider might suggest this procedure: 

• Evaluating chronic acid reflux: An acid reflux scope test can check for damage from stomach acid or complications like Barrett’s oesophagus. 

• Investigating unexplained weight loss, anaemia, or gastrointestinal bleeding: These can sometimes indicate stomach or duodenal ulcers, tumours, or other significant issues. 

• Assessing difficulty swallowing or persistent upper abdominal pain: Gastroscopy is key to identifying structural or inflammatory problems that other tests might miss. 

• Confirming or ruling out gastrointestinal cancers: Early detection can be lifesaving. 

• Checking for: Coeliac disease, infections, or persistent, unexplained nausea and vomiting 

Prompt examination, rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen, is crucial, particularly when investigating possible cancers or severe inflammation. An early gastroscopy procedure in South Africa is your best line of defence against potentially serious digestive disorders. 

 

What Happens During the Procedure? 

Many patients delay investigations due to anxiety about what happens during a gastroscopy. Here’s what you can expect: 

• Preparation: Before your appointment, you’ll receive a detailed gastroscopy preparation guide. Typically, this means abstaining from solid food for at least six hours before the test, but you may be allowed clear fluids up to two hours beforehand. Your healthcare team will review medications. Some may be continued, while adjustments might be needed for blood thinners. 

• Arrival and Consent: Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by an endoscopy nurse to whom you may ask any additional questions. Experienced doctors and anaesthetists work together to ensure your comfort and safety. 

• Sedation or Anaesthetic: Most patients choose light sedation for gastroscopy, administered through a vein, to keep them relaxed and comfortable. Alternatively, a local throat spray can numb the area if you’d prefer to remain fully awake. Your preferences and medical needs are always taken into account. Throughout the procedure, your vital signs will be monitored, and you’ll be carefully observed by skilled staff. 

• The Procedure: With you comfortably positioned on your left side, the doctor gently passes the flexible gastroscope into your mouth and guides it down the oesophagus into the stomach and, if needed, further into the small intestine. The camera relays high-definition images to a monitor, allowing the specialist to assess any abnormalities. If necessary, biopsies or minor treatments, like a polyp removal, can be performed during the same session. 

• Comfort and Safety: Some air may be introduced to improve visibility, which can cause mild, temporary bloating. Modern endoscopy services are designed with the patient in mind to minimise any discomfort. 

Sedation for Gastroscopy: Safety and Options 

Patients often wonder about the safety of sedation for gastroscopy. Options include: 

• Conscious sedation, typically with short-acting medications, leaves you relaxed but responsive. Many patients do not remember the procedure itself. 

• Local anaesthetic throat spray is an alternative for those wishing to avoid sedation, though some mild gagging may occur.
  

Both options are safe, with stringent protocols in place in professional centres. After any sedation, you’ll need a companion to escort you home and should avoid driving or intense exercise for 24 hours. 

 

After the Gastroscopy: Recovery Time and Results 

• Immediate Recovery: Most people spend 30 minutes to an hour in a recovery suite, monitored by nursing staff as the effects of sedation wear off. You may initially feel drowsy or have a mild sore throat, which usually resolves within a few hours. 

• Dietary Guidelines: You’ll be advised when it’s safe to eat and drink. Starting with clear liquids is typically recommended, gradually returning to a regular diet as you recover. 

• Return to Activity: Most patients can resume light activities within a day, with full recovery usually within 24 to 48 hours. 

• Results Timeline: Some findings are discussed immediately post-procedure. If tissue samples were taken, the results are generally available within a few days. You’ll receive a follow-up appointment or call to discuss the outcome and any further steps needed. 

• Managing Expectations: Mild abdominal discomfort or bloating may persist briefly, but major complications are rare. Your care team will provide detailed aftercare instructions, ensuring you know when to seek further support if necessary. 

 

Choose a Modern Endoscopy Unit for Your Digestive Health 

With today’s advanced Intercare endoscopy services, patients benefit from: 

• Multidisciplinary expertise: Access to a broad spectrum of specialist doctors in one place 

• Purpose-designed facilities: A modern-day hospital performs invasive procedures in a safe, patient-centric environment, significantly reducing recovery time and infection risk compared to traditional hospitals. 

• Exceptional care: You’ll experience personalised, compassionate support at every stage, from the initial consultation to the post-procedural follow-up. 

• Advanced equipment: Advanced high-definition imaging and state-of-the-art tools ensure maximum diagnostic accuracy and comfort. 

 

Booking Your Stomach Scope Test 

When searching for a “stomach scope test near me” or considering an endoscopy for stomach pain, don’t let worries delay you. A gastroscopy is a safe procedure, and early diagnosis is always advantageous. 

Don’t neglect your gastrointestinal health; schedule an appointment with a trusted healthcare provider today.