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Exploring Gastroscopy: Reasons, Risks, and Complications

In many cases, the doctor may request a gastroscopy for any reason, either as a diagnostic procedure or as a treatment procedure, so questions arise about the reasons for this, in addition to the complications that may result from this procedure.

Gastroscopy has become a very common and routine procedure despite its potential risks, so you must choose well the place where you will perform the gastroscopy in order to ensure the efficiency of the workers and the cleanliness and quality of the place.

What is gastroscopy?

It is a procedure in which a thin and flexible tube called an endoscope is used to be inserted from the mouth, through the throat and esophagus, to reach the stomach and up to the duodenum. At its inner end, the tube contains a luminous camera, with which the doctor can look inside the path of the endoscope, so that he can visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

When should a gastroscopy be done?

There are several reasons for a doctor to order a gastroscopy, and these include:

Find out the cause of stomach pain. Indigestion. acidity; In the event that the cause is not known by other diagnostic methods. Find out the causes of difficulty swallowing. Look for tumors in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Find the causes of persistent nausea and vomiting. Diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders (Celiac disease) and gluten sensitivity. Diagnosis of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. Diagnosis of gastroenteritis. Diagnosis of stomach and esophageal cancer. Bleeding ulcer treatment. Treatment of esophageal obstruction. Resection of cancerous and non-cancerous tumors in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Is gastroscopy painful?

It is normal to feel some pain and discomfort in the throat as a result of the speculum rubbing against the throat wall during its insertion, especially after the anesthesia wears off, and this is normal, but if you feel sharp pain or the pain extends to other parts, you should contact the doctor, according to the “Daily Medical Info” website.

Post gastroscopy stage

Because most stomach endoscopy is done under the sedative effect of narcotic drugs, some confusion may occur to you after the operation, so some things are not recommended in this case immediately after you leave the hospital:

Do not drive for 24 hours after the operation. Do not engage in any strenuous physical activities. Do not operate any machinery that may be dangerous to your health.

What are the complications of gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is a safe procedure, but your doctor should explain to you some of the risks that can occur as side effects or complications during or after the procedure, including:

Bleeding

If the endoscopy aims to take a sample or biopsy from the stomach, this may lead to a little bleeding and the bleeding is supposed to stop on its own after a short period, but if it continues, then you must go to the hospital to deal with it.

Sore throat

This symptom is very common after a gastroscopy procedure, which can last for a few days, but if the pain becomes very severe and extends to the stomach or chest, then you should contact the hospital or go to the emergency room.

catch infection

An infection can occur during any type of operation inside the hospital. Go to the doctor if you feel a fever, chills, or any other symptoms of illness.

chest infection

The patient may inhale some of the secretions that come out of the throat as a result of his anesthesia, and they reach the airway and cause a respiratory infection. Here, a nursing staff or assistant will suction any secretions before they reach the airway during the endoscopy.

Sensitivity to the anesthetic

Some people may have an allergic reaction to the anesthetic used, this is more common in heart patients and those with lung problems, and they may have an increase in heart rate or high blood pressure, but do not worry about that, as the nursing staff monitors vital signs during the procedure To intervene quickly when necessary.

2023-08-26 05:35:05

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