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Diagnostic Gastroscopy

Diagnostic gastroscopy is a procedure performed to diagnose problems of the upper digestive system. It is one form of endoscopy that uses a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and light at the end to view the target area.

Indications of Diagnostic Gastroscopy

Diagnostic gastroscopy can be helpful in the evaluation or diagnosis of various problems, including:

  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing
  • GI bleeding: hematemesis, melena or iron-deficiency anaemia
  • Troublesome heartburn
  • Persistent ulcer-like pain
  • Dyspepsia
  • Anorexia or weight loss
  • Taking aspirin or NSAIDs
  • History of gastric ulcer
  • Persistent nausea, vomiting, or symptoms suggestive of pyloric obstruction
  • Gastric ulcer demonstrated by barium meal
  • Duodenal biopsy for suspected malabsorption

Diagnostic Gastroscopy Procedure

Diagnostic Gastroscopy is usually performed on an outpatient basis. By adjusting the various controls on the endoscope, the endoscopist can safely guide the instrument to carefully examine the inside lining of the upper digestive system. The high-quality picture from the endoscope is shown on a TV monitor, which gives a clear, detailed view. In many cases, diagnostic gastroscopy is a more precise examination than X-ray studies.