Gastroscopy at VITA Hospital

Gastroscopy is one of the important examinations of the digestive system

Gastroscopy is a key diagnostic procedure for the digestive system. It is the primary method for direct examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, allowing real-time observation of these organs to detect diseases or rule out their presence.

Gastroscopy is performed on an empty stomach.

You must not consume:

• Food - at least 6 hours before the procedure
• Water or any liquids - at least 3 hours before the procedure

If the examination is scheduled in the morning, do not consume any food after midnight.

If the examination is scheduled in the afternoon, ask your doctor for detailed instructions regarding food and water intake.

Food residue in the stomach during the examination is a risk factor for aspiration into the airways and interferes with the assessment during gastroscopy.

What is the procedure upon arrival at VITA Hospital for gastroscopy?

You will first need to register and complete a few documents. A doctor and a nurse will review your medical history, including:

• Clarification of specific complaints, accompanying and past diseases
• Previous laboratory tests, if available
• Medications you are currently taking

During the gastroscopy, the following are assessed and examined in sequence:
The oesophagus, gastro-oesophageal junction, stomach with all its parts, and the duodenum.

During the procedure, photographs may be taken or biopsies collected if necessary.

After the gastroscopy is completed, the physician explains the results and describes them in a special document - an endoscopic report - which can be presented at further consultations or subsequent examinations.

What diseases are detected by gastroscopy?

A large number of digestive system diseases lead to changes that can be identified by this method. These include:

1. Diseases of the oesophagus

• Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Barrett’s esophagus
• Hiatal hernia
• Achalasia
• Zenker’s diverticulum
• Esophageal carcinoma

2. Diseases of the stomach

• Chronic gastritis - Helicobacter pylori-associated
• Atrophic gastritis and other forms
• Gastric ulcer
• Gastric polyps
• Gastric carcinoma

3. Diseases of the duodenum

• Ulcer
• Coeliac disease
• Polyps

A preliminary medical consultation is conducted for several reasons:

• The physician will assess whether you actually need a gastroscopy, when it can be performed, and whether anaesthesia is required
• The physician will order the blood tests required before the procedure
• The physician will answer all your questions

This examination is covered by the NHIF under a clinical pathway.