A gastroscopy procedure lasts a few to several minutes, during which the patient lies on their left side. Gastroscopy Houston is often conducted under local anesthesia of the throat with lidocaine spray, followed by the insertion of a mouthpiece that prevents the patient from shutting their mouth if discomfort arises. Next, the doctor inserts a gastroscope into the patient’s mouth, a narrow tube with a light source, and a camera that allows them to inspect the recorded picture on the screen throughout the examination. The endoscope is then placed into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine) later in the process.
Preparing for a gastroscopy
You should eat nothing 6-8 hours before a gastroscopy surgery. Also, you can have your last drink 4 hours before the procedure; do not smoke or chew gum before this test. To prepare for a gastroscopy, patients should remove any moveable prosthesis, piercings, or other objects from their mouth. It is not suggested that a patient eat or drink anything for additional 2 hours after the surgery (risk of aspiration due to local anesthesia). On the day of the procedure, those with conditions that require regular treatment (e.g., hypertension, epilepsy, heart disease, and others) should take the morning dosage of the medicine with a modest amount of water. Patients who use blood clotting medications should visit a doctor before the exam to determine whether they should discontinue or substitute them.
Getting well after a gastroscopy
If you undergo a gastroscopy without sedation, you should be able to go home soon after. You will be watched when you are given a sedative until most of its effects go off. You will be required to arrange for someone to accompany you home afterward since you should not drive, use public transportation alone, operate machinery, sign legal papers, or consume alcohol for 24 hours. You may feel bloated, and your throat may be irritated. You will be able to resume eating soon after the surgery. A refreshing drink is an excellent thing to consume. Also, you should be able to return to work the following day.
The risks
Gastroscopies are typically pretty safe procedures. However, like with any medical operation, problems are always possible. Bleeding from a biopsy area or where a polyp was removed is one of the more prevalent consequences. This is generally mild and does not need additional treatment. Serious complications are uncommon; however, intestinal perforation and tooth damage are risks.
Alternatives to a gastroscopy
A barium swallow and meal test is a substitute for a gastroscopy. You consume a special liquid that covers the interior of your esophagus and stomach and shows up on X-rays during this test. A barium swallow and meal provide less information than a gastroscopy and may overlook issues. Also, it prevents your clinician from taking a sample of any abnormal tissue they find. If a biopsy is required during a gastroscopy, your doctor will perform one. You can ask your specialist if a barium swallow and meal would be your choice.
While certain dangers are connected with this treatment, they are usually exceeded by the benefits of confirming the proper diagnosis. You are recommended to speak with your doctor about this surgery further. Call Vikram S Jayanty, M.D., or book your consultation online to learn more about the gastroscopy procedure.