Gastroscopy: What can this examination reveal?

The examination is performed using an endoscopic device. It allows the doctor to see the mucous membrane, polyps, ulcers... And that's just a fraction of what can be detected by gastroscopy. When can this examination save your life?  

Gastroscopy is a diagnostic examination that allows the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to be examined and diseases of the upper digestive tract to be detected at an early stage. During the examination, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light is inserted into your intestines through your mouth. The doctor uses the gastroscope to examine your digestive system. Gastroscopy is an opportunity for a quick and timely diagnosis. What can be detected during the examination?

What diseases can gastroscopy detect? 

A gastroenterologist can detect stomach or duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux, chronic gastritis, tumors, polyps, and growths. The examination also helps to detect certain infections, anatomical abnormalities, and bleeding. Gastroscopy is a very accurate diagnostic method that can detect problems that are not visible on X-rays or ultrasound. It is a key examination for many digestive problems. The following diseases and conditions may be hidden behind them:

Inflammatory diseases: 

• inflammation of the esophagus (e.g., reflux disease, esophagitis),

• inflammation of the stomach (or mucous membrane, gastritis),

• inflammation of the duodenum (or mucous membrane, duodenitis).

Infections: 

• presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can cause inflammation and ulcers. 

Ulcerative diseases: 

• stomach ulcers, 

• duodenal ulcers.

Cancerous diseases: 

• benign (non-malignant) tumors, 

• malignant (cancerous) tumors, e.g., stomach or esophageal cancer. 

Polyps and growths: 

• identification and removal of polyps, which may be precancerous.

  
  

Bleeding: 

• detection of the source of gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., ruptured blood vessels, ulcers). 

Anatomické odchýlky:: 

• narrowing (strictures) of the esophagus or stomach,

• hiatal hernia (protrusion of the stomach through the diaphragm).

Reflux disease of the esophagus:

• damage to the mucous membrane caused by long-term reflux of stomach acid.

Celiac disease:

• Gastroscopy allows samples of the duodenal mucosa to be taken for histological examination.

Foreign bodies:

• Identification and removal of foreign objects that may become lodged in the esophagus or stomach.

Other gastroscopy options 

Gastroscopy is not only used for diagnosis, but also for taking samples. A gastroscope is also a very useful tool for therapeutic procedures. During the examination, the doctor can directly treat certain medical conditions.

Sampling (biopsy): for histological examination (e.g., if a tumor, inflammation, or infection is suspected), to identify Helicobacter pylori (a bacterium that causes inflammation, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and even stomach cancer).

Therapeutic procedures: stopping bleeding, removing polyps, treating dilated veins in the esophagus – varices, tumors or foreign bodies, dilating narrowings.

Do you experience prolonged pain in the stomach area, heartburn, or difficulty swallowing? Don't wait too long, you are a prime candidate for a visit to a gastroenterologist. Make an appointment with Dr. Gastro. Our team consists of experts who you can rely on for their empathetic approach. We will identify the cause of your problems, explain everything to you in detail, and find the most gentle solution.