EDZE

As with the bowel examination, a flexible optical probe is also used to examine the stomach. The same mild general anaesthetic used in colonoscopy is also advisable and is also preferred by most patients.

After passing through the oral cavity, the doctor can look at the inner wall of the oesophagus. After this, the probe passes through an intermediate zone into the stomach. The doctor then inspects the stomach and its major components. The doctor may have to wait until the stomach’s “doorman”, the pyloric sphincter, opens: the probe then slides easily into the duodenum – a key area, since ulcers are also regularly found here.

The doctor may now opt to take a biopsy or remove polyps. Following this, any air blown into the stomach is sucked out and the examination is complete.

In view of the sedative administered for the procedure, driving a car – or even riding a bicycle – is not allowed until the next day, nor may you return to work. For this reason, we always issue you with a medical certificate (sick note).

Patients should be fully informed before undergoing a gastroscopy. We always provide both written and verbal information about major risks such as bleeding or perforation.  Written information is provided at your preliminary consultation: you give your consent by completing and signing this, and bringing it with you to your examination.