gastroscopia

Gastroscopia, also called gastroscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a medical procedure that uses a flexible endoscope to visualize the mucosal lining of the upper digestive tract: the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It is used for diagnosis and, in some cases, treatment. The endoscope provides real-time images and allows the physician to take biopsies, remove polyps, control bleeding, dilate strictures, or retrieve foreign bodies.

Indications for gastroscopy include persistent upper abdominal pain or dyspepsia, unexplained or iron-deficiency anemia, indigestion, heartburn or suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease, suspected ulcers or gastritis, screening or surveillance for Barrett’s esophagus, and evaluation of abnormal imaging or laboratory findings. It is also used to diagnose causes of gastrointestinal bleeding and to treat certain conditions endoscopically.

During the procedure, the patient is usually sedated and the endoscope is introduced through the mouth, passed down the esophagus into the stomach and duodenum. The physician inspects the mucosa, may take biopsy samples, and can perform therapeutic interventions such as stopping bleeding, dilating narrowing, removing polyps, or extracting foreign bodies. The exam typically lasts 15 to 60 minutes, depending on findings and interventions.

Preparation includes fasting for several hours, reviewing medications (notably anticoagulants), and obtaining informed consent. Afterward, patients are monitored as the sedative wears off; common aftereffects include a sore throat and temporary drowsiness, and driving or heavy activity is usually discouraged for 24 hours.

Risks are low but include sore throat, bloating, bleeding (especially after biopsy or therapeutic procedures), infection, and, rarely, perforation or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Absolute contraindications include significant cardiopulmonary instability or inability to tolerate the procedure.