Gastroscopy
Your doctor may want to perform a gastroscopy for a variety of diagnostic reasons.
What is a Gastroscopy?
The gastroscope is a flexible viewing tube which is used to examine disorders of the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small bowel (duodenum). Through the gastroscope these organs can be visualised and, if it is considered appropriate, biopsies (or small tissue samples) can be taken for pathological examination and diagnosis.
Your doctor may want to perform a gastroscopy for a variety of reasons, including:
- Abdominal pain or chest pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swallowing difficulties
- Reflux or heartburn
- Bleeding
- Indigestion
- Upper abdominal bloating
- Weight loss.
Preparation
For more information about preparing for a Gastroscopy, see our Admissions page.