When to do a gastroscopy. Does frequent FGDS harm health, and how often is such a study recommended? Indications for diagnostics

How often can FGDS - fibrogastroduodenoscopy be done? Perhaps, in patients with stomach diseases, this question is in second place, after the question of how to transfer this procedure with minimal comfort. It should be noted right away that gastroscopy is not prescribed without a serious reason, so you need to consider when this study is necessary, and when it is better to refrain from conducting it.

Gastroscopy is conventionally divided into the following types:

diagnostic;
medical;
preventive.

Diagnostic

To clarify the diagnosis of gastric disease, FGS (fibrogastroscopy) is one of the most reliable methods of examination.

The indications for this procedure will be:

epigastric pain;
difficulty swallowing;
a feeling of discomfort in the esophagus or stomach;
heartburn;
nausea and vomiting;
suspected gastric bleeding;
unreasonable loss of appetite and sudden weight loss;
monitoring the therapy of gastric diseases.

Adults and children over 6 years of age, with the listed indications, need EGD to clarify the diagnosis. In early childhood (up to 6 years), gastroscopy is performed only when the pathology cannot be detected by other diagnostic methods.

Therapeutic

As a rule, with a therapeutic purpose, this procedure is prescribed again after the diagnosis has been clarified, if the need arises:

removal of polyps;
irrigation of the gastric wall with a drug;
carrying out local treatment of ulcers.

In this case, how often FGS should be done is determined by the doctor - based on the characteristics of the disease and the general state of health of the patient.

Preventive

In case of stomach diseases in the stage of stable remission, patients are recommended to undergo fibrogastroscopy to clarify the diagnosis and timely identify pathological changes.

For prophylactic purposes, it is recommended to perform FGS for women planning pregnancy. This need is justified by the fact that during the carrying of a child, there are almost always problems with the work of the digestive system. If a woman has done a gastroscopy in advance to clarify the condition of the stomach, then at an early stage, during toxicosis, it will be easier for the doctor to choose effective and safe drugs for the child that can alleviate toxic manifestations.

Thus, the frequency of the study depends on the goal that needs to be achieved - to diagnose pathology, to carry out therapeutic measures or preventive examination.

Study frequency

How often can gastroscopy be done? This question can only be answered by the attending physician, because the frequency of examinations depends on the characteristics of the disease.

This could be:

A single study for suspected gastric disorders. If gastric pathology is not detected at the same time, then there is no need for subsequent FGS.
Several times during the course of the treatment. In some cases, fibrogastroscopy is prescribed at short intervals during treatment. This is necessary to clarify the effectiveness of the therapy. And also in case of illness, irrigation of sections of the gastric wall with a drug and other medical manipulations can be carried out.
Once a year for uncomplicated stomach diseases for early detection of possible deterioration in the early stages.
In addition, 2-4 times a year, if there is a predisposition to peptic ulcer disease or if a tumor of the stomach or duodenum was surgically removed.

Fibrogastroscopy is a relatively safe and informative way to obtain information about the state of the upper digestive tract. Of course, the procedure itself is quite unpleasant and many patients try to avoid it, but in vain: it is not recommended to neglect the prescribed examination, because it is better to timely identify the pathology at an early stage than to treat the advanced forms of the disease for a long time.

It is worth remembering that doctors prescribe this examination, which is unpleasant for the patient, only if there is a need for it, how many times the doctor recommends that the procedure be followed, so much FGS should be done.

Conditions in which it is better to refuse gastroscopy

When an examination is prescribed by a doctor to clarify the diagnosis or to control the ongoing treatment, the doctor always conducts a complete examination of the patient and identifies all contraindications.

But for a preventive study now it is not necessary to take a referral from a gastroenterologist, this procedure can be done for a fee in a clinic that a person trusts more.

But since the last time the last EGD was performed, the person's general state of health could worsen, therefore, before going to the next scheduled examination, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications:

hypertension with frequent crises;
condition after a stroke;
recently suffered a heart attack;
heart disease associated with rhythm disturbances;
blood diseases;
esophageal stenosis.

This is considered an absolute contraindication, and if such diseases have appeared since the last examination, it is better to consult a doctor. Perhaps the doctor will propose to undergo an ultrasound scan (ultrasound) or X-ray instead of gastroscopy to determine gastric pathology.

It is recommended to postpone the planned examination for a while in case of upper respiratory tract infections. This is due to the fact that when performing fibrogastroscopy, the patient needs to breathe through the nose, and with respiratory infections, nasal breathing is very difficult. In addition, with the introduction of a gastroscope, it is possible to introduce pathogenic pathogens from the nasopharynx into the esophagus or stomach. It is necessary to first cure infectious diseases, and then go through EGD.

How often is it allowed to do FGDS? Gastroenterologists claim that modern gastroscopic equipment is less traumatic and this type of research can be carried out almost daily. Therefore, if the doctor sends for examination after a short period of treatment, then you should not refuse, but it is better to endure this unpleasant procedure.

Gastroscopy is the most accurate method for diagnosing diseases of the digestive system located in the upper gastrointestinal tract. It allows you to detect in the early stages even such a dangerous disease as cancer. You need to perform such manipulation only in a special office as prescribed by a doctor. How dangerous is it, and how often can gastroscopy be done? These are quite natural questions for a person who will have such a procedure. We will answer them.

When is gastroscopy done?

Gastroscopy - examination of the esophagus, stomach, and sometimes the duodenum with a special device. A gastroscope is a device consisting of a long and flexible hose with a fiber optic camera at the end. She transmits the image to the monitor. By analyzing the picture taken, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment. The flexible device allows you not to miss a single area during the examination.

Indications for gastroscopy are:

suspicion of cancer in the esophagus or stomach;
signs of stomach bleeding;
monitoring during the treatment of diseases of the digestive tract;
frequent vomiting and nausea;
difficulty eating.

The procedure can be prescribed for an adult or a child if he has frequent or persistent stomach pains.

There are many contraindications to research, some of them are absolute. It:

heart pathology;
severe obesity;
narrowing of the entrance to the stomach;
high scoliosis or kyphosis;
ever suffered a heart attack or stroke;
blood diseases.

In some cases, the procedure is performed at the discretion of the doctor:

age up to 6 years;
severe mental disorders;
an ulcer or chronic gastritis in the acute stage;
respiratory tract infection.

Gastroscopy of the stomach must be done if severe bleeding begins or a foreign object gets inside.

How is the procedure carried out?

Any season is suitable for research, no matter summer or winter, nothing depends on it.

2 hours before the examination, drink purified water or weak tea in order to additionally cleanse the walls of the stomach.

On the day of the procedure, do not smoke, so that mucus and gastric juice are not secreted.

How is gastroscopy done? The procedure is done in the morning after a little preparation:

a light sedative is injected under the skin;
the root of the tongue and the esophagus are irrigated with an anesthetic solution.

It is very important that the person is calm while exploring. Nervous tension, anxiety, fear can provoke sudden movements and damage to the esophagus or stomach.

After a while (usually 20-30 minutes), manipulation begins:

The person being examined should remove clothing and jewelry from the torso. Glasses and dentures are also removed.
The procedure cannot be performed while sitting, the patient lies on the couch on his left side and straightens his back. You need to be in this position all the time so as not to disrupt the running process.
The patient must firmly grip the mouthpiece in his teeth. It will prevent you from squeezing them reflexively.
The doctor asks you to take a sip and relax the muscles of the larynx. At this point, he quickly introduces the endoscope and begins to lower it.
After that, the specialist begins to turn the device, studying the state of the cavities. In order to explore the entire surface, air is introduced into the stomach.

How long does the procedure take? If gastroscopy is necessary for diagnosis, it lasts no more than 15 minutes. It takes a little longer to collect material for biopsy and perform therapeutic manipulations, about 30-40 minutes. After manipulation, you need to be in a horizontal position for about two hours under the supervision of medical personnel. You can eat in 3-4 hours.

In some cases, gastroscopy can only be done under general anesthesia. This is required when examining children under 6 years of age and persons with serious mental disorders.

Deciphering the study is based on comparing the resulting image with the normal state of the mucous membrane.

For a healthy person, everything looks like this:

color varies from light pink to red;
the posterior wall of an empty stomach is formed by folds,
the front wall is smooth and shiny;
there is a small amount of mucus on the surface.

Any pathology (cancer, gastritis) causes changes that can only be seen with a gastroscope. X-rays do not show them.

With gastritis, the walls of the stomach swell and turn red, the amount of mucus increases, minor hemorrhages are possible. The ulcer stands out against the background of the mucous membrane with red protruding edges, covered with pus or white bloom.

Cancer gives a different picture: the folds of the stomach are smoothed out, the mucous membrane becomes whitish or grayish.

How often can you do it?

People suffering from diseases of the digestive tract are often interested in how many times a year a gastroscopy can be done. The frequency of the procedure is determined by the attending physician.

Many people doubt whether it is necessary to do gastroscopy at all, because there are other diagnostic methods: X-ray and ultrasound. These methods provide much less information and do not give a complete picture of the state of the mucosa.

What are the risks?

When performing an examination with a gastroscope, complications are very rare. Most often, they happen due to the fault of the patient who does not follow the instructions of the doctor, or because of anatomical features. Medical errors are extremely rare.

What harm can research do:

skin rashes with drug intolerance;
minor bleeding due to microtrauma of the esophagus or intestines;
puncture with a gastroscope;
introduction of infection.

Sometimes after the procedure, vomiting begins, and the throat may hurt. Discomfort in most cases disappears after 2-3 days.

Gastroscopy is a safe and informative method for examining the upper digestive tract. It is performed according to the testimony of a doctor with the frequency that is necessary, in his opinion.

What is gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is a procedure that involves inserting an endoscope through the mouth. It allows you to view internal organs, such as the stomach, esophagus and others, and identify ulcerative and inflammatory processes, gastritis, and internal bleeding in the early stages.

If the doctor suspects an infectious disease or the presence of neoplasms, then during such a procedure he can take a piece of tissue for further study. FGS also detects polyps and allows you to quickly remove them, the same applies to internal bleeding.

This is a modern method of studying the state of the gastric mucosa, which implies the introduction of a special flexible probe (endoscope) with a camera at the end through the esophagus. Its diameter is about 1 cm, in the latest models this figure is even smaller.

It connects to a monitor that displays live video. This procedure is performed not only for the purpose of diagnosing the body, but also for the collection of suspicious tissues and their further study (biopsy).

The term "biopsy" came into medicine from the Greek language. It is formed from two words: "life" and "appearance".

The method is based on the fact that a tiny piece of tissue is taken from a patient and its cellular composition is carefully examined at high magnification. Biopsy differs in the method of sampling and in the accuracy class.

In some cases, the material may be needed for histological examination. This means that the structure of the tissues of the sample taken will undergo a study.

In others, for cytological analysis. This means that the structure, reproduction and state of the cells of the sample taken will be studied.

The classic biopsy, which has a second name - search biopsy. This procedure is carried out in the early stages of the disease, when the location of the tumor cannot yet be detected visually.

Open biopsy, when material for research is taken during a surgical operation. This can be the whole neoplasm or some part of it.

Targeted biopsy, which can be performed when a tumor is detected, when the doctor can take material directly from the neoplasm on the border with healthy tissue. Targeted biopsy is performed using an endoscope, under ultrasound supervision, under X-ray control, or stereotaxic method.

Views

EGD is considered a procedure that does not pose a risk to the patient's health, which, however, can hardly be called pleasant. Of course, this does not diminish its importance and effectiveness, because it is a highly accurate diagnosis, and allows you to identify at the early stages both minor violations and serious pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

Ordinary people who have ever experienced this method of research have formed the opinion that it is carried out only in one situation - solely to identify the disease and the severity of its course. The use of fiber-optic image transmission technology allows not only monitoring the inner surface of the gastrointestinal tract, but also performing a number of other, equally important and significant manipulations.

Depending on the purpose of the appointment, today there are three types of FGDS.

Diagnostic

Since gastroscopy is considered one of the highly informative methods, it is primarily used as a tool for a thorough examination of the gastrointestinal tract to confirm the diagnosis in the presence of patient complaints. Indications can be considered:

a feeling of discomfort in the epigastric region;
belching, burning, nausea, ending with vomiting;
deterioration of the permeability of food during a meal;
rapid weight loss due to lack of appetite;
food intolerance for no apparent reason;
suspicion of internal bleeding due to a sharp decrease in hemoglobin.

Therapeutic

performing polypectomy (removal of small formations);
stopping bleeding;
local administration of drugs in the form of wall irrigation;
carrying out therapy for peptic ulcer disease.

The decision on the need for the initial procedure and the timing of its implementation is made by the gastroenterologist. As a rule, it needs to be done again, some time after the diagnosis has been clarified.

Preventive

Due to the absolute safety, it is recommended to do FGS for monitoring the internal state of the gastrointestinal tract for people with diseases of the digestive system during a period of stable remission. The optimal frequency is at least once every 10-12 months, but with a tendency to develop peptic ulcer disease, the study can be carried out more often. What and how many times a year is determined by a specialist.

For the purpose of prevention, diagnostics is performed in women when they are planning a pregnancy. This need is due to the fact that during the gestation period in expectant mothers, the likelihood of disruption of the digestive system increases. The availability of accurate diagnostic results expands the choice of medicines to alleviate early toxicosis or other pathologies.

Other alternative diagnostic methods

If the patient is not satisfied with this diagnostic method, then he is recommended to carry out the procedure using a capsule. There is a camera inside it. When it disintegrates, it is possible to examine the entire digestive tract. It comes out on its own in a natural way. Its size does not exceed 1.5 cm.

Sometimes patients try to refuse esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ask to replace it with an X-ray or ultrasound, so as not to undergo unpleasant sensations. But these methods do not provide enough information to establish the correct diagnosis. And also patients try to evade the procedure, citing the possible dangers associated with its passage.

In certain cases, gastroscopy has to be performed under general anesthesia.

Prevention is better than cure

It is useful to conduct such a study exclusively for prophylactic purposes. How many times a year it is necessary to examine the stomach is not regulated.

But as practice shows, an annual examination helps to recognize the very first symptoms of diseases in a timely manner, when their treatment is most effective. Experts allow such a study to be performed as needed, but at least once every 5 years - even in the absence of any symptoms.

There is no need to worry about how often an EGD study of the stomach can be done - the doctor who prescribes this study is able to assess all risk factors. The number of studies is not limited, it is considered so safe. During the procedure, you can:

detect the very first signs of mucosal lesions that cannot be seen on ultrasound or fluoroscopy;
determine the patency of the stomach and esophagus;
identify the presence of strictures, narrowings, tumor formations or polyps;
diagnose reflux and its degree.

During such an endoscopy, additional manipulations of a therapeutic or diagnostic nature are allowed. After doing FGS, the patient does not experience any unpleasant sensations.

Occasionally, there may be a slight soreness when swallowing, which goes away on its own after a few hours, and does not require medical intervention. The preparatory period is also extremely simple - it is enough not to eat anything directly on the day of the study.

Recently, video is often recorded on a computer, which significantly improves the quality of diagnostics. The doctor not only gets the opportunity to review the record several times, but also to consult with other specialists. The same moment allows you to more accurately assess the effectiveness of the therapy.

Application of anesthesia

Many patients are afraid to undergo such a procedure just because it causes unpleasant discomfort and pain. In fact, this diagnostic method is considered painless and safe. But at the request of the patient, an anesthetic can be used, which includes lidocaine. It is sprayed onto the root of the tongue. To all this, vomiting is reduced.

General anesthesia is used according to indications. That is, the patient is put into a sleepy state. Therefore, he does not feel or hear anything. It is carried out only in a hospital setting.

Preparing for the procedure

Such a diagnosis is quite unpleasant and requires not only moral preparation, but also some abstinence from food. The last appointment should take place 10-12 hours before the procedure is done. This is due to the fact that undigested food in the stomach can give false data and make it difficult to access the walls of the stomach.

Sour, fried and spicy food can inflame the mucous membranes, therefore, before gastroscopy, it is necessary to exclude fatty fish and meat, cottage cheese, cheese, smoked and other products from your diet for 1-2 days.

On the day before the study, do not take medications, smoke or chew gum. It is also recommended to refuse to brush your teeth, as the particles of the paste can

irritate the mucous membrane. You can drink some warm water 2-3 hours before the procedure.

Gastroscopy is considered one of the safest diagnostic methods. Doctors advise to be examined once a year. The development of complications usually ranges from 5 to 15%. It all depends on the experience of the specialists and the preparation of the patient.

After manipulations, the patient may complain of bloating, increased gas discharge, pain syndrome, heaviness in the stomach and nausea. Unpleasant symptoms disappear on their own after 2-3 hours. If it is difficult to tolerate them, then you need to use an antispasmodic.

People with different problems turn to gastroenterologists every day. The main task of the doctor is to make the correct diagnosis so as not to waste time and give the patient a chance to recover. Often, a gastric biopsy is prescribed as a diagnostic study, since this is the most reliable analysis if an oncological process is suspected. So what is a biopsy and how is it done?

So, the patient is scheduled for a gastric biopsy. How is this procedure done? If the patient is agitated and cannot calm down on his own, he is offered an injection of a sedative.

The person should lie on their left side and straighten up. The doctor treats the mouth and the upper part of the esophagus with an antiseptic and begins to insert the endoscope.

In modern medical centers, gastric biopsies are performed using advanced medical equipment, which means that the tube is thin and the chamber and specimen collection device are as small as possible. Swallowing this equipment practically does not cause discomfort.

The specialist monitors the procedure through a monitor.

This examination can be taken at any time of the year - the weather will not affect the results obtained. The patient should prepare for the procedure both physically and mentally, since such a diagnosis is accompanied by rather unpleasant sensations, and it is better to be ready for this.

Never calm yourself down with smoking

Even one smoked cigarette shortly before the procedure increases the secretion of gastric juice, which creates certain difficulties in its implementation. A few days before the study, it is worth excluding from the diet food that irritates the gastric mucosa - sour, salty, fatty, spicy. You can not eat fatty meats and fish, cheeses, and you must also give up cottage cheese and various smoked meats. And of course, don't drink alcohol.

On the eve of the day of the examination, refuse to eat for 8-12 hours and for two hours - from liquid. Since undigested food will not only distort the data obtained, but will also become an obstacle to the camera approaching the walls of the stomach, which will not allow them to thoroughly examine them and will have to re-prescribe EGDS.

On the day of the examination, you cannot take medications, chew chewing gum, and you should refuse to brush your teeth, since particles of toothpaste can irritate the mucous membrane. 2 hours before the start of the procedure, you can drink a little warm liquid, but it should not be hot tea or coffee, as well as cold drinks with gas.

As a rule, this procedure is carried out in the morning to make it more comfortable for the patient to endure a strict diet the day before. 20-30 minutes before the start, a subcutaneous injection of a light sedative is given to make the subject feel calm, since excessive anxiety and tension can cause sudden movements leading to injury to the stomach or esophagus during the procedure.

Immediately before the examination, the patient undresses to the waist, removes everything that may interfere with the procedure - glasses, dentures. The oral cavity and pharynx are irrigated with an anesthetic - 10% lidocaine to reduce discomfort and gag reflex.

In order for the doctor to be able to correctly assess the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract during the diagnosis process, the patient must first of all undergo good preparation before gastroscopy. The study is performed, as a rule, in the morning, on an empty stomach. It is not recommended to eat 6-8 hours before the scheduled examination. You can read more about the nuances of preparation in this article.

After gastroscopy, the patient is in a state resembling alcohol intoxication for some time. He wakes up in 2-3 hours when sedatives stop working. And also in those who have passed the study, for some time there may be a discharge of gases from the esophagus or stomach through the mouth and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen against the background of the remainder of gases used to swell the walls of the stomach.

Contraindications

What is gastroscopy of the stomach, it became clear. Next, you need to understand in what cases the procedure will be carried out.

This diagnostic method is shown:

with painful sensations in the upper abdomen;
with nausea, vomiting, heartburn;
with diarrhea or constipation of a chronic nature;
with signs of internal bleeding. In such cases, there is vomiting of blood, loss of consciousness, a change in the nature of the stool;
with symptoms of poor food passage during swallowing;
with suspicions of oncology. This process is accompanied by anemia, weight loss, lack of appetite;
with diseases of other organs of the digestive tract.

The endoscope makes it possible to assess the condition of the mucous tissues, to determine the place of the inflammatory process and atrophied areas.

With the help of gastroscopy, you can:

determine acidity;
remove foreign bodies;
identify the cause of gastric bleeding;
cauterize the bleeding artery;
excision of the polyp;
detect bile in the gastric cavity;
apply the drug to the area of erosion;
take a biopsy for histology;
expand the narrowed area of the esophagus;
select material for the determination of a bacterial agent called Helicobacter Pylori.

Before you understand how gastroscopy of the stomach goes, you need to make sure that there are no contraindications.

The planned type of research does not apply:

with severe cardiovascular pathologies;
after an acute heart attack;
in violation of cerebral circulation;
with severe respiratory failure;
after a stroke during the recovery period;
with aneurysm of the aorta and heart;
with violations of the heart rhythm;
with hypertensive crisis;
with severe mental disorders.

Also, doctors identify relative contraindications in the form of:

cicatricial changes and slight narrowing of the esophagus;
severe obesity or wasting;
enlargement of the thyroid gland, cervical or retrosternal lymph nodes;
acute inflammatory processes in the oral and nasal cavity.

A biopsy can be ordered in the following cases:

studies are prescribed to identify oncopathology or precancerous conditions; analysis may be necessary for acute or chronic gastritis; to clarify the ulcerative process and eliminate suspicions of oncology; in case of damage to the gastric mucosa to clarify the volume of organ resection; a biopsy of the stomach allows you to identify the presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori in case of indigestion; the study allows you to assess the patient's condition after surgery or radiation therapy.

However, despite its high efficiency, this diagnostic method cannot be applied to all patients.

When diagnosing any disease, the doctor must ensure that he does not harm the patient and put his life at risk. Based on this principle, when prescribing any procedure, all possible contraindications are taken into account. In the case of a gastric biopsy, these are:

a state of shock; diseases of the heart and vascular system; inflammatory or other pathological processes in the pharynx, larynx or in the respiratory tract; diathesis (hemorrhagic form); infectious diseases in the acute stage; narrowing of the esophagus; the presence of perforations in the walls of the stomach; burns of the stomach with chemicals; mental deviations allergic reactions to pain medications (lidocaine and others).

In addition to obvious contraindications, the doctor must take into account the patient's psychological preparation for the procedure. If there is a pronounced fear, then it is better not to conduct research.

Gastroscopy is an examination of the upper organs of the gastrointestinal tract using a gastroscope inserted through the patient's oral cavity. Shows gastroscopy of the state of the duodenum, stomach and esophagus. This is necessary if you suspect such pathological processes:

damage to the duodenal mucosa;
inflammation of the stomach lining;
diseases of the esophagus, accompanied by inflammation of its mucous membrane;
peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum;
suspicion of bleeding in any of the upper organs of the digestive tract;
suspicion of oncopathology.

If the examination is of a planned nature, then such contraindications for gastroscopy can be distinguished: serious disturbances in the work of the respiratory system, an emergency caused by a persistent increase in blood pressure, disturbances in the heart rhythm, serious disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system.

The list continues with an acute disturbance of the movement of blood through the vessels of the brain, the expansion of the aorta due to pathological changes in the connective tissue structures, damage to the heart muscle caused by an acute disturbance of its blood supply. The recovery period after a previously suffered severe form of myocardial infarction or stroke and severe forms of mental illness are additions to contraindications.

Fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) is a non-invasive highly informative method of examining the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract - the stomach itself and the duodenum 12. In the course of diagnostics, medical manipulations can also be performed, as well as a biopsy, which is especially relevant if an oncological process is suspected.

There is only one way to answer the question of how often EGD can be done - it can be performed as often as is required for accurate diagnosis or assessment of treatment results, since the study is completely safe.

Fibrogastroduodenoscopy is one of the methods for examining the upper part of the digestive tract

What is the purpose of such a study?

FGS is done on an outpatient basis, no special preparation is required before the study. It is assigned for diagnostic purposes:

in cases of suspected ulcers, gastritis, burns of the gastric mucosa;
with long-term dyspeptic disorders;
with pain syndrome, the exact cause of which cannot be established;
to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy, it can be re-prescribed;
with a decrease in blood hemoglobin with an unexplained cause.

Since the procedure is harmless, the question: "how often can gastroscopy of the stomach be done" can be considered irrelevant - the frequency of the study is determined by the doctor. Many women are concerned about the question of whether it is possible to undergo such a diagnosis during menstruation.

This is also not a contraindication for endoscopic examination. Limitations for the appointment of FGS are mental illness in the acute phase, pulmonary insufficiency, acute inflammatory diseases of the oropharynx.

Is frequent gastric endoscopy allowed?

If FGDS is carried out by a qualified specialist, the equipment is subjected to correct processing, and the rules of asepsis and antiseptics are strictly observed in the endoscopic room. Thus, the procedure is absolutely harmless. It should be noted that the study is unpleasant, and patients are reluctant to agree to it. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to undergo EGD once a year, if there are problems with digestion. Frequency may vary.

The frequency of FGDS is determined by the attending physician

For example, with gastritis, much depends on whether it is acute or chronic, on the treatment tactics and the presence of prerequisites for the development of concomitant pathologies. After a diagnosis and treatment has been completed, a follow-up examination is often necessary. This tactic allows you to objectively assess the effectiveness of therapy, and make adjustments in a timely manner.

Only a doctor will determine exactly how often FGS needs to be done, assess the feasibility of carrying it out during menstruation, the possibility of prescribing for concomitant diseases.

Norm (left) and GERD (right)

Fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) or biopsy is a special type of diagnosis that allows you to visually assess the state of the gastric mucosa and even take a section of the mucous membrane for research. This procedure is assigned when there is a suspicious site. EGD is not the most pleasant procedure, but in some cases it is extremely necessary. How often FGDS can be done, and also whether it is harmful, will be discussed in this article.

Indications for diagnostics

Frequent stomach pains, as well as the presence of discomfort in the esophagus.

Frequent belching, heartburn and nausea, regular vomiting.

The patient has suffered from gastric or duodenal ulcers and cancer.

Rapid weight loss, lack of appetite.

Contraindications

The patient has a heart attack or stroke in the acute period.

Finding the patient in serious condition.

The presence of mental disorders.

Asthma, poor blood clotting.

How is fibrogastroduodenoscopy performed?

The procedure is carried out using a fiber-optic probe with a manipulator and illumination at the end. In addition to biopsy, this manipulator can carry out: stopping bleeding, freezing ulcers, laser irradiation and other types of procedures.

We rarely think about how often it is necessary to conduct a "technical inspection" of our own body, for example, how often to have gastroscopy stomach.

Situation 1 - nothing bothers you from the gastrointestinal tract and nothing hurts

In this case, you need to undergo a gastroscopy with regularity once a year.

This is the period of time during which:

there is a chance to detect and neutralize cancer at an early stage in time without consequences;
check if there are polyps or any neoplasms, determine their nature and remove "out of harm's way";
look at the condition and work of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum and determine if there are any deviations from the norm towards the development of any disease;
make sure that everything is in order with health and sleep well.

The sooner we identify the trouble, the faster and easier it is to eliminate it.

It is important to understand that our body is a single whole, in which everything is connected to each other.

The health of your stomach, as the primary organ that prepares food for further digestion, will determine how your gut copes with extracting nutrients from it and absorbing them into your bloodstream.

If the food is poorly prepared, then it is also poorly absorbed by the body and many useful and necessary substances are thrown out. As a result, your organs do not receive enough nutrients and suffer "on a starvation diet."

Your appearance deteriorates - hair, nails, skin. Your state of health is changing - lethargy, fatigue from scratch, irritability, apathy and depression appear.

And these symptoms appear long before the beginning trouble in the gastrointestinal tract manifests itself in all its glory.

Situation 2 - You feel unwell from the gastrointestinal tract, or something specifically hurts you

Your body is already giving SOS signals to the full. And this means that you need to meet him halfway and take care of yourself.

Too often, we put ourselves in last place! We dismiss the "alarm bells"; pretend that everything is fine or "it will pass by itself"; we swallow dubious pills, after reading delirium on social networks or googling, not understanding how this or that medicine works, to whom and in what situation it really needs to be taken, and when it is a useless (and sometimes harmful) waste of time and money.

It connects to a monitor that displays live video. This procedure is performed not only for the purpose of diagnosing the body, but also for the collection of suspicious tissues and their further study (biopsy).

The gastroscopy procedure of the stomach is an endoscopic examination in which the doctor determines the condition of the esophagus, stomach cavity and duodenum. It is carried out using a device called a gastroscope, which has a probe in the form of a flexible tube with a fiber-optic system. The specialist carefully inserts the instrument through the mouth and esophagus directly into the stomach.

During the examination, the endoscopist examines the internal surfaces of the organs and makes photo or video fixation, if necessary. The procedure sometimes involves a transendoscopic pH meter or biopsy. Specialists can carry out some medical operations during the study:

stopping bleeding;
removal of polyps;
the introduction of certain drugs, etc.

The procedure has only one side effect, which is an unpleasant sensation in the patient's throat and disappears within 1-2 days.

Gastroscopy is an endoscopic examination in which the doctor determines the condition of the esophagus, stomach cavity and duodenum. It is carried out using a device called a gastroscope, which has a probe in the form of a flexible tube with a fiber-optic system. The specialist carefully inserts the instrument through the mouth and esophagus directly into the stomach.

The term "biopsy" came into medicine from the Greek language. It is formed from two words: "life" and "appearance".

In some cases, the material may be needed for histological examination. This means that the structure of the tissues of the sample taken will undergo a study.

In others, for cytological analysis. This means that the structure, reproduction and state of the cells of the sample taken will be studied.

The classic biopsy, which has a second name - search biopsy. This procedure is carried out in the early stages of the disease, when the location of the tumor cannot yet be detected visually.

Open biopsy, when material for research is taken during a surgical operation. This can be the whole neoplasm or some part of it.

Types of gastroscopy

Esophagoscopy

For diagnostic purposes, the procedure is prescribed in cases where a comprehensive picture of the state of the upper gastrointestinal tract is needed, starting with endoscopy of the esophagus. The examination involves the introduction of a probe through the oral cavity.

Also, esophagoscopy can be prescribed for the simultaneous carrying out of medical procedures, in this case, a rigid probe is used, which provides easy introduction of additional instruments. Often this type of gastroscopy is performed under anesthesia without pain and without swallowing - it is introduced in a dream, without causing discomfort to the patient.

Gastroduodenoscopy

The examination is assigned to diagnose the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. This method of endoscopy allows you to identify various pathologies - from erosion to neoplasms. Such gastroscopy of the stomach can be accompanied by the implementation of one-step treatment procedures - the introduction of medications into the affected area, removal of polyps, etc.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Endoscopic examination of the duodenum and stomach 12 is carried out to diagnose pathologies of the mucous membrane, as well as with simultaneous therapeutic or surgical intervention.

More information about what type of diagnostics is needed for a particular patient, the cost of the examination and the rules for preparation can be found by calling the Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow.

Gastroscopy for children

Almost all children do not like medical and diagnostic measures. Gastroscopy for a child is a difficult ordeal, so it should be prepared in advance.

Before the start of the procedure, as a rule, children are injected with a little atropine to calm, relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. To avoid the appearance of a gag reflex and discomfort, gastroenteroscopy is performed under local anesthesia.

A patient over 8-10 years old is sprayed with an anesthetic on the pharynx, esophagus, a child of a smaller age group is often put into a state of sleep.

Carrying out gastroscopic diagnostics of the stomach for children is characterized by some peculiarities. Since the mucous membrane of the internal organs of the child's body is saturated with blood vessels, has a small thickness and is very vulnerable, and the muscle layer is underdeveloped, a special endoscope is provided for the child, the diameter of which ranges from 6 to 9 millimeters.

If the baby takes the upcoming procedure calmly, then it can be performed under local anesthesia, which consists in irrigating the root of the tongue and pharynx with an anesthetic solution. For children under the age of six, gastroscopy is done in a state of mild sedation, which is a 10-minute drug sleep.

Gastroscopy "in a dream" can also be recommended in case of increased excitability and anxiety of the child, which can lead to problems during the examination and a decrease in its diagnostic value. Children's gastroscopy of the stomach is carried out with the participation of an anesthesiologist, who selects an individual dosage of the drug and controls the entire process.

In addition, sedation is used for indications such as:

serious condition of the child;
the assumption that the research may take a long time.

After the procedure, the child is under the supervision of a doctor for some time to exclude the development of any complications.

This procedure is prescribed for a child of any age. For older children, gastroscopy is prescribed 10-12 hours after the last meal, and for infants - 6 hours later. If an urgent diagnosis is required, the contents of the stomach are removed using a special probe.

When checking a child, the procedure may take 20 to 30 minutes. So that he is not afraid, the doctor can prescribe a light sedative to the baby 2-3 days before the procedure.

Otherwise, the study is carried out in the same way as in adult patients.

Gastroscopy for children has a number of features. Their mucous membrane is thin, vulnerable, rich in blood vessels, the muscular layer of the walls of the organs is poorly developed.

Therefore, special endoscopes of a smaller diameter (only 6-9 mm) are used for children. In the younger age group (up to 6 years old), gastroscopy is performed under anesthesia.

Children over 6 years of age do not need general anesthesia. An indication for anesthesia is a serious condition of the child or a significant duration of the study in time.

Preparation for gastroscopy of the stomach in children does not differ in comparison with adults.

Pediatric gastroendoscopic examination is carried out in the same way as in adults - you cannot eat 6-8 hours before the procedure and drink 2-3 hours before it. True, in infants, the fasting time should not be more than 6 hours.

If necessary, food debris can always be removed through the probe. If the child is very small (up to 2 months), gastroscopy is not performed.

Gastroendoscopy of the stomach for children from 3 months to 6 years old is often done under general anesthesia. After all, the behavior of children during gastroscopy is very restless.

Interpretation of results

As a rule, already during the operation, it is noticeable if something in the patient's body causes concern. The doctor can comment on what he saw directly during the procedure (unless, of course, the patient is immersed in medication sleep).

After the examination, the endoscopist sends the results to the patient's attending physician. The examination protocol for gastroscopy of the stomach for children and adults contains information about:

examination of the esophagus (wall color, absence / presence of inclusions, tissue condition, etc.);
stomach (color of the inner surface, appearance of folds), inclusions (if any), tumors (if any);
sometimes a sample of gastric juice and duodenum can be taken (diameter, length, condition of the pancreatic and bile ducts, condition and color of the walls).

In addition, the protocol should also contain the characteristics of the peristalsis of the digestive tract.

Possible risks of frequent diagnostics

There are several good reasons indicating the need to visit a doctor without fail after diagnosing EGD:

significant temperature rise;
long-lasting, strong or sharp pain symptoms felt in the peritoneal region;
loose black stools;
vomiting, if dark brown blood clots are visible in the discharged masses.

Gastroscopy of the stomach is a fairly simple procedure, but for its effective implementation without any subsequent complications, certain preliminary preparation is required. First of all, before carrying out the diagnostic procedure, it is necessary to warn the doctor conducting the study about the existing chronic diseases, the need for constant intake of pharmacological drugs, the presence of drug allergies, the existing pregnancy or its planning.

The specialist should familiarize himself with the results of previous studies and analyzes of the patient in order to assess the disease in dynamics and determine the need for a biopsy or other manipulations.

A very important factor in an effective diagnostic study is the patient's psychological attitude.

In addition, preparation for gastroscopy of the stomach involves the following recommendations:

within 48 hours, the patient must follow a sparing diet and completely abandon alcohol;
the last meal can be at least 8-10 hours before the procedure, drinking water and smoking - 4 hours;
on the day of the study cannot be taken medicines in capsules or tablets;
clothes during the procedure should be loose, not restraining movements;
immediately before manipulation, the patient must remove glasses, contact lenses, dentures, jewelry;
for your own comfort, you must empty your bladder.

Home »Gastroscopy» Alternative methods of checking the stomach without gastroscopy

How to check the stomach without gastroscopy? Sometimes the FGDS procedure is contraindicated for many reasons, and it is necessary to make a diagnosis. It is impossible to conduct an examination with a probe if the patient is in panic before the apparatus. For very young children and elderly patients, probing is performed under general anesthesia, but this method is not always justified. What can replace an endoscope?

Stomach diagnostic methods

There are several methods of medical diagnosis of the condition of the gastric mucosa:

physical - carried out in the doctor's office;
laboratory - examines the patient's analyzes;
hardware rooms - with the help of medical devices.

Physical methods are a routine examination by a doctor. The doctor listens in detail to a person's complaints, conducts an initial examination - the oral cavity, tongue, palpates the lymph nodes and the abdomen.

Laboratory studies are carried out to identify the causes of stomach pathology - what concomitant diseases could provoke the ailment? For diagnosis, take blood, feces and urine.

Hardware diagnostics include ultrasound, fluoroscopy. In modern medicine, diagnostics is used - a gastropanel. This is a paid alternative to gastroscopy - a laboratory blood test.

An absolute contraindication to gastroscopy of the stomach is the patient's dying state. Diagnosis is possible even with a heart attack and in the presence of gastric bleeding. However, there are contraindications to the procedure:

the risk of aortic rupture;
heart ailments - they are first treated;
hemophilia - there is a risk of tissue injury;
high blood pressure;
diseases of the neck area;
anatomical abnormalities of the patient's body structure.

If gastroscopy is not possible, the determination of gastric diseases is established by alternative methods.

Alternative to probing

How can you check stomach disease without gastroscopy? Modern medicine offers many ways to replace gastroscopy:

a capsule instead of a probe;
desmoid test;
beam research methods;
ultrasound methods;
Magnetic resonance imaging.

To know how to properly prepare for gastroscopy of the stomach, you need to understand how it is performed. This will help to understand what factors can change the reliability of the bottom line.

In certain cases, gastroscopy has to be performed under general anesthesia.

What tests are required?

If you do not have certain tests on hand, the doctor may refuse to examine you. Therefore, it is better to take care and collect them in advance. If you are in a hospital, then everything will be done for you (in a planned manner in the hospital). In other cases, you must independently pass and bring the results to the doctor:

clinical analysis of blood and urine;
biochemical blood test;
for hepatitis B and C;
blood group and Rh factor;
coagulogram (an analysis that shows blood clotting).

In the presence of additional diseases (for example, asthma), a VC test (vital capacity of the lungs) may be required.

In any case, before you go to get tested, go for a consultation with your doctor. Some hospitals require a complete list of tests, while others require a few selective tests.

After the procedure

Now we turn directly to the question of how gastroscopy is carried out, if necessary, to examine the state of the gastrointestinal tract.

The step-by-step process is as follows:

the patient lies on the right side;
the chin must be brought to the chest;
general or local anesthesia related to the tongue is introduced;
a special design is inserted between the lips, which does not allow you to bite the pipe;
a tube is inserted through the mouth or nose;
if the introduction is traditional through the mouth, then you need to breathe through the nose;
the main difficulty is to force yourself not to swallow, and since this is a reflex, it is not so easy to do this, but it is necessary;
so that saliva does not interfere and does not provoke swallowing reflexes, a saliva ejector is inserted into the patient;
gradually the endoscope is introduced to the areas that need to be examined;
in some cases, air is introduced into the gastrointestinal tract to expand the walls and study their condition in more detail;
additional activities are carried out, such as a biopsy, for example;
after completing all procedures, the doctor removes the tube;
the results of the examination are recorded and transmitted to the attending physician.

In total, the procedure can take from 10 to 20 minutes. There are exceptions, though. But mostly patients have to endure the presence of a foreign body in the throat for about 15 minutes on average.

In medical institutions, a special room should be equipped for FGDS. The patient lies on the couch, on the left side and bends the knees to the chest. There is a nurse nearby who calms and encourages the patient, while holding his hands so that he does not inadvertently overturn the apparatus. Inaccurate removal of the instrument is fraught with injuries to internal organs.

A special mouth guard is inserted into the mouth to prevent damage to the apparatus by bites. Anesthesia is performed at the request or as directed by a doctor.

Then a gastroscope is inserted into the oral cavity or through the nose, which is a thin and flexible hose, at the end there is a small chamber. Before doing this, you need to take a deep breath to widen the hole. During the procedure, you need to breathe deeply, evenly and calmly.

In time, the procedure takes no more than 20 minutes (if general anesthesia is used, it can take up to an hour - in this case, after the study, the patient is taken to the ward before he wakes up).

The results of the study will be ready on the day of the study. If a piece of tissue was taken for a biopsy, then the answer will come in 5-10 days.

Diagnostic research is difficult for patients, especially from the psychological side. The procedure is somewhat unpleasant, but in order to facilitate the work of the doctor, as well as significantly speed up the process and alleviate the condition for yourself, you need to properly prepare.

The completed procedure is sometimes accompanied by minor pains felt in the stomach. If a short-term anesthesia was used during the diagnostic study, the patient is then sent to a bed in the ward so that he can rest quietly, waiting for the end of the anesthetic.

When only local anesthesia was used, the patient is allowed to go home immediately after the procedure, or they are offered to sit in the corridor for a while while the doctor prepares a conclusion on the results of the examination.

In exceptional situations, after diagnosis, some people experience mild nausea or slight pain symptoms in the stomach. Immediately after the examination, at least for several hours, it is recommended not to eat food, even drinking water is undesirable.

The FGS procedure is prescribed for patients who have stomach pain. In this case, the doctor after the examination decides on the need for such a study. The doctor's preliminary diagnoses can be confirmed only with the help of a gastroscopic examination.

The procedure is shown in cases where it is required to identify the degree of damage to the gastric mucosa, in case of poisoning or chemical burns. FGS is also valued for the fact that it can be used to quickly examine the patient and take appropriate measures.

A gastroscopic examination is done as a prophylaxis for people who have problems with stomach ulcers, gastritis and polyps. Regular examination allows you to assess the state of the gastrointestinal tract and, if necessary, adjust the treatment regimen. Prevention is also recommended for those people in whose family there have been cases of burdened heredity.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a short but very unpleasant procedure. In the absence of complications and the need for additional manipulations (for example, stopping internal bleeding), the duration of the examination rarely exceeds 2-4 minutes.

Local anesthesia may be applied before starting the procedure. It is necessary to immobilize the root of the tongue and its receptors, the irritation of which leads to the appearance of the gag reflex.

The drug of choice for local anesthesia is usually Lidocaine (spray or aerosol form). "Lidocaine" is not only a local anesthetic, but also a cardiac depressant, therefore it may be contraindicated in some diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Often, against the background of the use of "Lidocaine", the patient develops severe allergic reactions: in this case, "Novocaine" or "Ultracaine" can be used for anesthesia.

The most important step in preparing for gastroscopy is diet. It must be observed within three days before the procedure. It is necessary to completely exclude from the diet any foods that can adversely affect the diagnostic results and complicate the video review. All foods that patients should refuse are listed in the table below.

Foods that should not be eaten 72 hours before FEGDS

Before FGDS, it is advisable to remove jewelry, glasses, dentures.

In the treatment room, the patient is placed on a couch, on the left side, the mouth is treated with an anesthetic solution. Gastroendoscopy with anesthesia is performed while lying on your back.

The doctor inserts a tube into the patient through the mouth, sometimes through the nose. The person being examined is asked to make a swallowing movement, which allows the device to be advanced into the esophagus.

The doctor examines the required areas. With gastroscopy with biopsy, tissue is taken for bacteriological examination, stomach juice.

The therapeutic endoscopic method allows an operation to eliminate polyps, remove foreign objects from the stomach.

Endogastroscopy can be prescribed not only for an adult, but also for a child.

In children, the mucous membrane is thin, the muscles of the walls are poorly developed. In these cases, a flexible endoscope with a smaller diameter is used for gastroscopy. For babies up to 6 years old, the procedure is carried out with immersion in sleep. For older children, general anesthesia is prescribed, if the child is in serious condition, the study is long in time.

After research

Contraindications:

aggravated stage of bronchial asthma;
mental disorders;
aggravated myocardial infarction;
gastroscopy during childbearing is safe if performed in the first trimester, the beginning of the second;
with monthly contraindications are not available;
at transnasal gastroscopy(a tube is inserted through the nose) A runny nose is not a contraindication.

Before the actual examination, the patient must remove the existing dentures, empty the bladder and, if necessary, take a sedative. A few hours before the procedure, smoking is prohibited, and for the study you need to take wet wipes or a towel with you to put yourself in order at the end.

The success of the gastroscopy procedure of the stomach depends in part on the correct attitude of the patient. He should relax and calm down, and the entire examination will take no more than 10-15 minutes.

The diagnostic procedure gastroscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGDS) is prescribed to the patient for the purpose of examining the esophagus, stomach, and the initial sections of the duodenum from the inside.
is carried out by introducing a flexible endoscope tube through the patient's mouth and gradually moving it down the gastrointestinal tract.

The examination is carried out by an endoscopist in a specially equipped office using a flexible medical instrument - an endoscope.
.

Immediately before icing, it is necessary to inform the doctor about the existing contraindications (I described them above), as well as the presence of diabetes, drug intolerance, stomach surgery, pregnancy and its planning.

The examination is carried out by a doctor who has received special training in working with endoscopic equipment. Gastroscopy is performed in an office designed only for such procedures.

How is gastroscopy carried out directly?

Routine examination is carried out in the morning.

So, the patient is in the gastroscopy room. A sedative was given to him, the throat was treated with lidocaine - the subject felt numbness of the tissues of the oral cavity.

Gastroscopy of the stomach without swallowing and with the introduction of the device shows the state of the mucous membrane of the digestive organ. In addition, the diagnostic method allows you to assess the functioning of:

lumen;
stomach;
duodenum.

The procedure allows you to establish the cause of the pain syndrome in the area of the digestive organ. The method is considered one of the most effective. Detects damage, varicose veins and inflammation.

Preparation for gastroscopy of the stomach in the morning is insignificant. That is why the procedure is considered one of the most popular in the study of the functioning of the digestive organ. The diagnostic method helps to establish the presence of:

gastritis;
Helicobacter pylori infection;
ulcers of the digestive organ;
erosive defects.

Before the procedure, the patient should find out how the gastric FGS is done. In the presence of neoplasms of a benign or malignant nature, the technique helps to study them as carefully as possible. Gastroscopy helps to establish the most accurate diagnosis.

Preparation for FGS of the stomach includes several important recommendations. The patient should take into account that if suspicious neoplasms are found in the digestive organ, the doctor may take several tissue samples for histological examination.

Gastroscopy is indicated for patients for the differential diagnosis of various abnormalities in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It is prescribed in the presence of symptoms that may indicate the presence of gastrointestinal diseases.

Before trying to figure out how EGD is done on your own, you need to visit a gastroenterologist. The doctor will tell you if there is an indication for the procedure. The method allows you to find out all the necessary information about the state of the mucous membrane.

Gastroscopy can be performed simultaneously with other procedures. At the same time, preparation for EGD examination of the stomach does not depend on a set of diagnostic techniques.

A gastroscopy is often done in conjunction with a biopsy. With this diagnostic method, the doctor takes a small area of the mucous membrane for additional research. The material is examined using a microscope. It is carried out with the aim of confirming or refuting the presence of cancer cells.

Decoding of the EGD of the stomach and biopsy is performed by a doctor. It is impossible to establish an accurate diagnosis on your own.

During a biopsy, a special biopsy probe is inserted into the inner wall of the digestive organ. Knives or vacuum tubes can be used additionally. The procedure is rarely accompanied by certain complications. It is impossible to answer exactly how long a gastroscopy of the stomach is done. It depends on the additional procedures. It usually doesn't take a lot of time.

Targeted gastrobiopsy is performed using a reusable instrument. The diagnostic method does not cause discomfort.

The data obtained are highly informative. Often patients are interested in how the gastroscopy of the stomach with a blind biopsy is performed.

The procedure is carried out without visual control. Should be carried out by a highly qualified specialist, as there is a high risk of injury.

During gastroscopy, a special tube equipped with a microscopic camera is inserted into the patient's body. The doctor can visually assess the degree of damage to the digestive organ, while the images are of high quality.

Often patients are interested in how endoscopy and gastroscopy of the stomach differ. FGDS is one of the methods of endoscopic research. A special device is used for diagnostics.

In addition to standard gastroscopy, there are also 2 more modern methods:

capsule gastroscopy;
gastroscopy in a dream.

The procedure is performed in an endoscopy room. The doctor uses an endoscope for examination, which is thoroughly sterilized beforehand. Preparation for the procedure of EGD of the stomach should be carried out directly and in the office itself. The patient should relax and calm down as much as possible. Diagnostics usually lasts no more than 15 minutes. You must have a towel and napkins with you.

Few people know how gastroscopy of the stomach is done through the mouth. It is required to empty the bladder in advance. The procedure takes place in several stages:

the patient is in a horizontal position;
the doctor inserts a sterile endoscope into the esophagus and further into the stomach;
if necessary, the device is sent to the duodenum;

the image is transferred to the screen and written to disk;
the diagnosis is established on the basis of studying the captured result.

The patient should study in advance how the gastroscopy of the stomach goes. This is necessary in order to get rid of the possible fear of the procedure.

In the event that the endoscopic examination is scheduled for the afternoon, the patient is allowed a light breakfast. It should take at least eight hours from eating to the procedure. The patient can eat yogurt and drink herbal tea. The liquid can be consumed in a volume of no more than 100 ml three hours before the examination.

You should visit a medical institution for gastroscopy with the following set of things and documents:

passport;
outpatient card;
the results of the studies carried out - analyzes, ultrasound, radiography;
insurance policy;
a sheet;
towel;
wet wipes;
replaceable shoes or shoe covers.

For gastroscopy, no special methods of anesthesia are required, with the exception of a spray containing a weak concentration of anesthetic, which is sprayed on the root of the tongue in order to eliminate pain and a cough reflex, which is very pronounced in some patients.

By the way, this phenomenon makes it difficult to insert the endoscope into the esophagus - there is a false impression that the probe is entering the trachea.

People with different problems turn to gastroenterologists every day. The main task of the doctor is to make the correct diagnosis so as not to waste time and give the patient a chance to recover.

Often, a gastric biopsy is prescribed as a diagnostic study, since this is the most reliable analysis if an oncological process is suspected. So what is a biopsy and how is it done?

So, the patient is scheduled for a gastric biopsy. How is this procedure done? If the patient is agitated and cannot calm down on his own, he is offered an injection of a sedative.

The person should lie on their left side and straighten up. The doctor treats the mouth and the upper part of the esophagus with an antiseptic and begins to insert the endoscope.

In modern medical centers, gastric biopsies are performed using advanced medical equipment, which means that the tube is thin and the chamber and specimen collection device are as small as possible.

Swallowing this equipment practically does not cause discomfort. The specialist monitors the procedure through a monitor.

This examination can be taken at any time of the year - the weather will not affect the results obtained. The patient should prepare for the procedure both physically and mentally, since such a diagnosis is accompanied by rather unpleasant sensations, and it is better to be ready for this.

Never calm yourself down with smoking

You can not eat fatty meats and fish, cheeses, and you must also give up cottage cheese and various smoked meats. And of course, don't drink alcohol.

On the day of the examination, you cannot take medications, chew chewing gum, and you should refuse to brush your teeth, since particles of toothpaste can irritate the mucous membrane. 2 hours before the start of the procedure, you can drink a little warm liquid, but it should not be hot tea or coffee, as well as cold drinks with gas.

As a rule, this procedure is carried out in the morning to make it more comfortable for the patient to endure a strict diet the day before. 20-30 minutes before the start, a subcutaneous injection of a light sedative is given to make the subject feel calm, since excessive anxiety and tension can cause sudden movements leading to injury to the stomach or esophagus during the procedure.

Indications

An experienced doctor knows how to properly carry out an EGD of the stomach. Therefore, first of all, try to find a good specialist. The analysis and diagnostics made by him will avoid discomfort and get a detailed research result.

The doctor will also decide to use the traditional or nasal type of endoscope insertion procedure after a conversation with the patient. How long the diagnosis will take depends on how detailed it will be necessary to study the state of the gastrointestinal tract and which organs will require analysis.

When it comes to cancer, usually the examination is carried out longer and more delicately, so that the cancer does not begin to progress and it is possible to identify all affected foci.

Endoscopy of the stomach and the entire gastrointestinal tract is not performed with absolute and relative contraindications. If in the first case the probe cannot be inserted to the patient, then the second is considered on an individual basis.

As for the absolute contraindications, then it is impossible to conduct an examination with an endoscope when:

recent heart attacks;
acute heart failure;
hemophilia;
aortic aneurysm;
respiratory failure;
stroke.

Relative contraindications include:

severe obesity;
psychological disorders;
exhaustion;
increased size of the thyroid gland;
oncological diseases;
varicose veins in the esophagus;
the presence of scars;
inflammation of the nasopharynx or oropharynx;
rhinitis;
lymph nodes, etc.

As you can see, when diagnosed with cancer, endoscopic examination is not always possible, as in the case of other indicated problems. Therefore, be sure to first consult with a specialist, try to answer all questions as honestly as possible and not dissemble. Your health and recovery depends on it.

EGDS is prescribed to patients only according to real-life indications:

peritoneal pain of unknown origin;
discomfort in the esophagus;
reasonable suspicion of the possibility of foreign objects entering the esophagus;
long-term incessant heartburn;
regular vomiting;
swallowing disorder;
unexplained weight loss;
loss of appetite;
causeless anemia;
pancreatic pathology, liver or gallbladder;
preparation for surgery;
the presence of hereditary diseases (ulcers or stomach cancer);
during prophylactic medical examination for those who have chronic gastritis either a stomach ulcer;
to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment of ulcers, gastritis or other pathologies;
after removal of the gastric polyp 4 times a year;
to perform a polypectomy.

The study of FGDS consists in swallowing a flexible tube by a person. This procedure is relatively painless, but it has certain contraindications.

The gastroscopy technique is used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Indications for the examination:

painful sensations in the abdomen;
nausea, vomiting for no apparent reason;
frequent heartburn;
suspicion of reflux, gastritis;
to identify ulcers;
bloody impurities in the stool;
study of neoplasms;
removal of benign tumors;
administration of drugs;
the need to remove a foreign object;
bacteriological examination of the mucous membrane.

Analyzes

Before endoscopy, the patient undergoes an electrocardiogram and donates blood for research:

determination of the group and the Rh factor;
general clinical analyzes;
determination of the presence of antibodies to immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis, syphilis.

If the patient is aware of the presence of allergic reactions to Lidocaine, Novocaine, it is necessary to inform the doctor.

Of course, when examining the gastrointestinal tract, gastroscopy is necessary, however, there are cases when even a single use of it can have a destructive effect. The number of contraindications to gastroscopy is not so great, but they should definitely be reckoned with.

One of the contraindications is all kinds of diseases of the cardiovascular system, which have already become chronic. However, here it is imperative to consult with a cardiologist, who will issue his verdict regarding gastroscopy.

It often happens that heart disease, which does not bother the patient at all, is a serious reason for refusing such a procedure, while a disease that causes great discomfort will easily allow you to survive such an ordeal.

It is simply impossible to independently predict the decision of a cardiologist, relying solely on his own condition.

People with serious mental disabilities will also have to give up gastroscopy. How they will behave during the examination and whether this stress will cause an aggravation is a rather complicated question.

Those who are in rehabilitation after concomitant diseases will also fall under the strictest prohibition. If time permits, the procedure should be postponed until complete recovery. Otherwise, the likelihood of relapse is very high, but in order to make a final decision, again, you need to consult a doctor.

Going to the gastroscopy procedure, you should not hide from the doctor at least insignificant facts about your own state of health. An absolutely healthy person can undergo such an examination as many times as the doctor sees fit. However, such people, as a rule, are very few. So you should not deceive yourself or the doctor. Everything must be told as it is.

There are few contraindications for gastroscopy, but absolute contraindications will be if the patient has:

acute myocardial infarction or stroke and subsequent rehabilitation;
severe types of arrhythmias;
respiratory failure and bronchial asthma during an exacerbation;
neoplasms and narrowing of the esophagus;
violation of blood clotting;
mental illness.

Relative contraindications are high blood pressure before the examination, if it must be done without fail, then the patient is given antihypertensive drugs. Also, gastroscopy will not be performed until complete recovery if there are inflammatory diseases in the larynx and nasopharynx and pain in the heart.

However, relative contraindications will not be taken into account if the examination should be carried out for health reasons in order to carry out medical procedures (for example, stopping bleeding).

There are no absolute contraindications to gastroscopy, that is, if an emergency diagnosis is required, this study can be carried out even if there are relative contraindications, but after preliminary preparation of the patient.

Relative contraindications to gastroscopy, depending on the presence of a particular pathology, can be divided into several groups:

cardiovascular;
hematological;
musculoskeletal;
metabolic and endocrine;
neurological.

This group includes:

all diseases with the development of severe heart and respiratory failure;
a history of myocardial infarction or stroke;
aneurysm of the thoracic or abdominal aorta;
hypertension stage III;
angina pectoris.

Due to the high risk of developing gastroesophageal bleeding, the study is contraindicated in the following diseases:

hemophilia;
hemorrhagic diathesis;
varicose veins of the esophagus;
narrowing of the esophagus;
esophagus spasm;
ulcer of the esophagus.

Musculoskeletal, metabolic and endocrine, neurological contraindications to gastroscopy

The doctor can refer the patient to gastroscopy if he has symptoms of stomach pathologies or primary signs of internal bleeding. Also, the procedure is carried out to clarify the results of other tests (ultrasound, X-ray). What are the symptoms of gastroscopy of the stomach?

The main indications for the procedure:

lack of appetite, severe weight loss, low blood hemoglobin levels (suspected cancer);
nausea, heartburn, frequent abdominal pain, vomiting (symptoms indicating the development of gastric pathologies);
melena (black semi-liquid stools), vomiting with blood impurities, dizziness, loss of consciousness (symptoms of internal bleeding);
prolonged constipation (more than 3-4 days), coupled with nausea, pain in the upper abdomen.

Contraindications for the procedure are rather vague. Especially if it is carried out on an emergency basis. Patients with internal bleeding undergo gastroscopy, regardless of whether they are at risk for complications or not.

General contraindications:

acute myocardial infarction;
mental disorders, increased nervousness, mania;
respiratory failure (in severe form);
hypertensive crisis;
violation of cerebral circulation (in acute form).

To date, all contraindications to this procedure are usually divided into 2 large groups:

absolute (that is, diseases in which EGD should not be remembered in principle);
relative (diseases in which gastroscopy should be postponed until the moment of recovery, or those in which the feasibility of the study is assessed exclusively by the doctor).

Gastroscopy of the stomach under anesthesia can be prescribed for the purpose of a preventive examination of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment, as well as to take tissue samples (biopsy).

pain in the epigastric region associated with eating;
heartburn;
nausea and vomiting;
feeling of heaviness and bloating, which are constant.

Contraindications to the implementation of gastroscopy under anesthesia are serious forms of mental disorders, as well as acute heart disease. Diagnostics is not recommended for patients suffering from severe respiratory failure, hypertensive crisis and during the period of rehabilitation after a heart attack and stroke.

Gastroscopy under anesthesia is mandatory for people with a low pain threshold, a labile psyche and children under 12 years of age.
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The indications for such a stomach examination may vary. The list can immediately include all diseases that are associated with the organs of the digestive tract. In this case, doctors always prescribe the patient to undergo gastroscopy. Here are some signs that you need to do this procedure:

Severe abdominal pain, heartburn, vomiting.
Vomiting of blood, loss of consciousness. The presence of such symptoms means only one thing: it is bleeding from the digestive tract.
Pain when swallowing any food.
Cancer suspected.
Disease of other organs of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), such as acute pancreatitis.

Since gastroscopy is an intervention in the body with the help of a special medical device, possible complications may be blood particles in the vomit, the appearance of pain behind the sternum, in the stomach or in the abdomen, a feeling of pressure over the stomach and in the chest, impaired breathing and suffocation, dizziness , nausea, fever, chills.

These manifestations can have subjective and objective reasons. From subjective reasons, most often these are fear of gastroscopy, aversion to swallowing foreign objects, hysterical and neurotic reactions.

Objective reasons may be esophageal spasms, exacerbated vomiting, narrowing of the esophagus and the presence of foreign bodies or formations in it, an allergic reaction, tumors. As you learn how to prepare for a gastroscopy, note that complications from gastroscopy are extremely rare.

Absolutely any doctor can send a patient to gastroscopy, but the main specialists are: a gastroenterologist, a therapist, an oncologist and a surgeon. There are many reasons for conducting EGDS, but since the procedure is extremely unpleasant, they are sent to it only in case of urgent need.

The main indications for which the patient is recommended to carry out esophagogastroduodenoscopy are:

pain in the chest area while eating;
anemia and weight loss for no apparent reason;
persistent bitter taste in the mouth;
diarrhea;
the presence of a foreign body in the stomach.

In addition, the patient is sent to EGDS and with such signs as:

strong pain in the abdomen;
frequent or persistent vomiting, nausea, heartburn, acid belching;
a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, not only after eating, but also in a state of absolute rest;
flatulence.

Oncologists refer the patient for gastroscopy in case of suspicion of cancer of the esophagus or stomach, as well as in order to check for metastases. The gastroenterologist prescribes EGDS in case of gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer, for prophylaxis after treatment.

As with any examination, there are a number of reasons why gastroscopy should not be performed. Contraindications for EGDS include:

varicose veins on the walls of the esophagus;
atherosclerosis;
acute heart failure or recent myocardial infarction;
high blood pressure;
swelling or narrowing of the esophagus;
the presence of any infectious diseases, hemangiomas.

There are no absolute contraindications to gastroscopy. In other words, there are no conditions that categorically prohibit research. There is a group of diseases and characteristics of the human body, in which gastroscopy has to be postponed for some time. All of these conditions are combined under the term relative contraindications.

Contraindications to endoscopic examination of the stomach are divided into groups depending on the organ system to which the disease belongs, which caused the postponement of the study:

cardiovascular
diseases of the musculoskeletal system and traumatic injuries
neurological disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system
metabolic disorders and endocrine pathologies
diseases of the blood system

Gastroscopy in the presence of relative contraindications is carried out only after preliminary preparation aimed at stopping pathological conditions.

Contraindications to gastroscopy from the heart and blood vessels:

decompensated heart failure
recent myocardial infarction
diagnosed aneurysm of the thoracic or abdominal aorta
frequent attacks of angina pain
arterial hypertension 3-4 degrees

Contraindications to gastroscopy from the blood system and hematopoietic organs:

hemophilia
reduction of blood coagulation factors by hemogram
varicose veins of the esophagus
narrowing of the esophageal opening of the stomach

The entire group of contraindications increases the risk of developing complications such as bleeding.

Anatomical defects of the musculoskeletal system create prerequisites for difficulties in the passage of a soft endoscope to the stomach cavity.

The indications for this examination are quite wide, with any suspicion of a disease of the digestive tract, the appointment of gastroscopy is justified.

Pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, heartburn;
Signs of bleeding from the upper digestive tract (vomiting with blood, loss of consciousness, characteristic stool - melena);
Signs of poor food passage when swallowing;
Suspicion of an oncological process (anemia, weight loss, lack of appetite);
Diseases of other organs of the gastrointestinal tract, in which it is necessary to know the state of the gastric mucosa (for example, acute pancreatitis).

Contraindications for performing gastroscopy depend on the order in which the study is performed. With emergency gastroscopy (for example, with profuse bleeding), there are practically no contraindications, and it can be performed even in a patient with acute myocardial infarction.

Contraindications for planned gastroscopy are:

Severe cardiovascular failure, acute myocardial infarction;
Acute violation of cerebral circulation;
Severe respiratory failure;
Recovery period after acute myocardial infarction or stroke;
Aortic aneurysm, heart aneurysm, carotid sinus aneurysm;
Heart rhythm disorders;
Hypertensive crisis;
Severe mental disorders.

Gastroscopy of the upper digestive tract is a first-line examination method for visual assessment of the state of the mucous membranes.

damage to the duodenal mucosa;
inflammation of the stomach lining;
diseases of the esophagus, accompanied by inflammation of its mucous membrane;
peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum;
suspicion of bleeding in any of the upper organs of the digestive tract;
suspicion of oncopathology.

If the examination is of a planned nature, then such contraindications for gastroscopy can be distinguished: serious disturbances in the work of the respiratory system, an emergency caused by a persistent increase in blood pressure, disturbances in the heart rhythm, serious disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system.

The recovery period after a previously suffered severe form of myocardial infarction or stroke and severe forms of mental illness are additions to contraindications.

A biopsy can be ordered in the following cases:

However, despite its high efficiency, this diagnostic method cannot be applied to all patients.

In addition to obvious contraindications, the doctor must take into account the patient's psychological preparation for the procedure. If there is a pronounced fear, then it is better not to conduct research.

Complications

In general, endoscopic diagnostics takes place without serious complications for the examined people. After FGS, patients may feel pain, sore throat for 2 days, drowsiness, fatigue as a result of taking sedatives.

The gastroscopy technique is well developed and is often used for diagnosis. Therefore, concerns about complications should not be of concern to patients.

Sometimes minor bleeding may occur, which disappears without additional intervention. The ingestion of vomit into the respiratory tract can cause aspiration pneumonia, which also disappears after a course of antibiotic therapy.

For the prevention of infection with parenteral viral hepatitis B and C, HIV infection, there is a certain method of processing endoscopes, which allows you to effectively handle the instrument and at the same time not to spoil it, since the device is not cheap.

Unpleasant sensations after gastroscopy disappear in 1-2 days. But if after the procedure there are pains in the heart, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fever or blood in the vomit, call an ambulance immediately. Such symptoms cannot be ignored.

Dear readers, today you learned what gastroscopy is and how to prepare for this procedure. Having properly prepared and tuned in, it will be easier for you to pass this examination. Be healthy!

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Modern devices for FGDS allow research with minimal risk of complications. Flexible thin tube does not make breathing difficult.

Sometimes the examinees complain of a non-intense sore throat - this is a consequence of microtrauma of the pharyngeal mucosa during the introduction of the probe and is not dangerous.

In rare cases, perforation of the esophagus or stomach wall with a gastroscope tube is possible. As a rule, this happens with poor visibility (if there is content in the stomach), insufficient anesthesia (the patient jerked violently), as well as in elderly and senile patients (due to the structural features of the organ wall).

As already mentioned, the EGD procedure is quite simple and is mostly performed by doctors on a regular basis. However, it must be remembered that any interference with the vital activity of a living organism can provoke the development of complications.

First of all, physical damage to the mucous membranes of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum is possible. The outcome of such an injury can be severe bleeding and pain, followed by a transition to inflammatory processes.

A characteristic sign of injury, in addition to persistent pain, is frequent vomiting with blood impurities. If the damage has touched the esophagus, then the blood in the vomit will be non-coagulated, red, "live" in color; with lesions of the deep-lying parts of the gastrointestinal tract, blood clots of maroon and black color are formed due to the action of hydrochloric acid from the stomach.

Residual bleeding after therapeutic lipoma removal or biopsy is possible and is considered a normal reaction.

In addition, it is possible to introduce an infection during the procedure, which, provided that there are open wounds on the surface of the mucous membranes, creates a very unfavorable prognosis.

There is only one way to answer the question of how often EGD can be done - it can be performed as often as is required for accurate diagnosis or assessment of treatment results, since the study is completely safe.

Fibrogastroduodenoscopy is one of the methods for examining the upper part of the digestive tract

What is the purpose of such a study?

FGS is done on an outpatient basis, no special preparation is required before the study. It is assigned for diagnostic purposes:

in cases of suspected ulcers, gastritis, burns of the gastric mucosa;
with long-term dyspeptic disorders;
with pain syndrome, the exact cause of which cannot be established;
to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy, it can be re-prescribed;
with a decrease in blood hemoglobin with an unexplained cause.

Since the procedure is harmless, the question: "how often can gastroscopy of the stomach be done" can be considered irrelevant - the frequency of the study is determined by the doctor. Many women are concerned about the question of whether it is possible to undergo such a diagnosis during menstruation.

This is also not a contraindication for endoscopic examination. Limitations for the appointment of FGS are mental illness in the acute phase, pulmonary insufficiency, acute inflammatory diseases of the oropharynx.

Is frequent gastric endoscopy allowed?

It should be noted that the study is unpleasant, and patients are reluctant to agree to it. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to undergo EGD once a year, if there are problems with digestion.

Frequency may vary.

The frequency of FGDS is determined by the attending physician

For example, with gastritis, much depends on whether it is acute or chronic, on the treatment tactics and the presence of prerequisites for the development of concomitant pathologies. After a diagnosis and treatment has been completed, a follow-up examination is often necessary. This tactic allows you to objectively assess the effectiveness of therapy, and make adjustments in a timely manner.

Only a doctor will determine exactly how often FGS needs to be done, assess the feasibility of carrying it out during menstruation, the possibility of prescribing for concomitant diseases.

Prevention is better than cure

It is useful to conduct such a study exclusively for prophylactic purposes. How many times a year it is necessary to examine the stomach is not regulated.

detect the very first signs of mucosal lesions that cannot be seen on ultrasound or fluoroscopy;
determine the patency of the stomach and esophagus;
identify the presence of strictures, narrowings, tumor formations or polyps;
diagnose reflux and its degree.

Norm (left) and GERD (right)

There is practically no need to prepare for FGS - the last meal is allowed at the usual time for the patient, the only thing that will have to be abandoned is alcohol and breakfast, since the study is carried out only on an empty stomach.

During such an endoscopy, additional manipulations of a therapeutic or diagnostic nature are allowed. After doing FGS, the patient does not experience any unpleasant sensations.

Recently, video is often recorded on a computer, which significantly improves the quality of diagnostics. The doctor not only gets the opportunity to review the record several times, but also to consult with other specialists. The same moment allows you to more accurately assess the effectiveness of the therapy.

Diet features

Preparation for gastroscopy of the stomach should be studied by the patient before examination, especially if it is performed in the afternoon. Minor dietary recommendations are required. For a day, the sick person must completely abandon alcohol-containing drinks.

Also, during the day you need to exclude from the diet:

foods high in fiber;
mayonnaise and other sauces;
fatty meats and fish;
whole wheat bread;
cheeses.

Rarely, patients are interested in what should not be eaten before gastric EGD. For two days, the patient must completely abandon spicy foods, as well as foods that increase gas formation. These include legumes, chocolate, nuts, and sodas. Otherwise, the results of the study may be inaccurate.

Most often, gastroenterologists are asked if they can drink before gastroscopy of the stomach. On the day of the diagnosis, all kinds of teas, coffee and any other drinks are strictly prohibited. It is allowed to drink a small amount of water. This can be done no later than 3 hours before the manipulation.

Another common question is how much you can not eat before gastroscopy of the stomach. The last meal should take place no later than 19:00. It is strictly forbidden to eat in the morning.