What Is Gastroscopy (Stomach Endoscopy)?

What Is Gastroscopy (Stomach Endoscopy)? How Is It Performed, Its Risks, and Recovery Process

Gastroscopy, also known as stomach endoscopy or upper digestive system endoscopy; is an advanced gastroenterology diagnostic and therapeutic method used to examine the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

This procedure, commonly known as stomach endoscopy or gastroscopy, is used in the diagnosis, biopsy, and treatment of digestive system diseases.

Gastroscopy is an interventional procedure used both in the diagnosis of diseases and in the treatment of various digestive system diseases.

In addition to standard diagnostic procedures, more advanced interventions such as polyp removal, stopping bleeding, and stent placement are called advanced endoscopic procedures.

At Daviva Health Group, endoscopy procedures are performed by experienced specialist physicians using advanced technological devices.

What is gastroscopy, how is it performed, and in which diseases is it used? Get detailed information about procedure duration, risks, and the difference from colonoscopy.

What Is Endoscopy?

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic technique that allows examination of the inner lining of the upper digestive system organs without the need for surgery. An endoscope is a flexible, thin tube with a light source and camera at its tip. It also has a working channel that allows the use of small instruments. The purpose of the examination is to understand the source of symptoms and to detect abnormalities that may indicate disease, especially cancer.

With a stomach endoscopy procedure, pathologies or lesions affecting organs such as the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine can be detected. The procedure also allows for biopsy.

It is the most reliable and widely used diagnostic method in the evaluation of upper digestive system diseases. Endoscopy is an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of many digestive system diseases, including serious conditions.

Why Is Gastroscopy Performed?

With gastroscopy, the inner lining of the upper digestive system is evaluated in detail. Conditions caused by gastroesophageal reflux, duodenal ulcer, dyspepsia (indigestion), esophageal or stomach cancer, as well as persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, ulcers, inflammation, bleeding, tumors, and vascular dilatations can be directly visualized.

During the endoscopic procedure, biopsy samples can be taken from suspicious areas.

Treatments performed during the procedure include:

Benign tumors can be removed.
Foreign bodies trapped in the digestive system can be removed.
Bleeding in the digestive system can be treated.

Gastroscopy How Is It Performed?

In this examination, the gastroenterology specialist uses an endoscope, a flexible and thin tube with a high-resolution camera and light source at its tip, and to which various interventional instruments can be attached when necessary, to examine the inner surfaces of the upper digestive system organs.

The gastroscopy procedure can be performed under sedation. You must fast for at least 8 hours before the procedure.

The diagnostic endoscopic method allows observation of the upper part of the digestive system, namely the esophagus, stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). The procedure is performed using an endoscope. Air is first blown into the stomach walls to provide a better view. Then, with the help of the camera, the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum is examined.

Gastroscopy can also be used therapeutically to take biopsies, remove tumors or foreign bodies, and stop bleeding.

If the purpose is to examine the upper digestive system, endoscopy takes an average of 10 to 15 minutes. If it is performed for treatment, the procedure may take longer.

Gastroscopy What Should Be Considered Beforehand?

The gastroscopy preparation process is important to ensure the success of the procedure and minimize related risks. The patient should follow the instructions given by the doctor. At least 8 hours before the endoscopic procedure, no food or drink should be consumed. Any regularly used medications and drug allergies should be reported to the gastroenterology specialist.

What Is the Recovery Process After Endoscopy?

After the procedure, the patient may experience burning in the throat, irritation, and abdominal pain; these symptoms usually resolve within a few minutes without the need for additional procedures or treatment. Food should not be eaten for 1–2 hours after the endoscopic procedure. The first meals should be liquid-based, and fatty and heavy foods should be avoided for the next 1–2 days.

If the gastroscopy procedure was performed for diagnostic purposes under light sedation, the patient can return home on the same day.

If therapeutic procedures are performed and it is done under general anesthesia, a longer period of clinical observation may be required depending on the doctor's evaluation.

Temporary drowsiness, dizziness, blurred or double vision may occur after treatment. Driving is not recommended for 24 hours after the procedure.

In Which Diseases Is Endoscopy Used?

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a safe and effective method for the early diagnosis of digestive system diseases, obtaining biopsies, and performing many interventional treatments without surgery. It is used especially in the following complaints and diseases:

Persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine
Inflammations and ulcers
Gastroesophageal reflux
Helicobacter pylori infection
Esophageal cancer and stomach cancer

When a suspicious area is seen, a biopsy (tissue sample) can be taken with forceps passed through the endoscope. Biopsy makes it possible to distinguish between inflammation, infection, benign, and malignant lesions.

What Are the Risks and Possible Complications of Gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is a safe procedure when performed by experienced gastroenterology specialists and with appropriate equipment, and complications are rare.

Possible risks mostly arise during therapeutic (advanced endoscopic) interventions.

Possible complications include:

Mild bleeding may occur after biopsy or polyp removal (polypectomy). In most cases, the bleeding is minimal and stops on its own. Rarely, additional intervention may be needed.
Some patients may develop low blood pressure, slowed breathing, or an allergic reaction to the sedation (light anesthesia) medications used during the procedure. For this reason, the patient is closely monitored throughout the procedure.
A tear in the wall of the digestive system is a very rare complication. If it develops, surgical intervention may be required.

What Is the Difference Between Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy?

Gastroscopy (stomach endoscopy) is a procedure performed through the mouth to examine the upper digestive system. The inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum is examined in detail.

This method is used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as reflux, gastritis, ulcers, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, and tumors. When necessary, a biopsy can be taken or therapeutic procedures such as stopping bleeding can be performed.

Colonoscopy, on the other hand, is performed through the anus and allows examination of the rectum and the entire large intestine.

With this procedure:

Polyps can be detected and removed.
Intestinal bleeding can be evaluated.
Biopsies can be taken from suspicious lesions.
Colon cancer screening can be performed.

Colonoscopy is both a diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedure.

What Procedures and Applications Are Performed in the Endoscopy Unit?

In our endoscopy unit, interventional endoscopic procedures for diagnosis and treatment are performed using the latest endoscopy technologies. Thanks to modern endoscopic methods used in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of digestive system diseases, patients are provided with safe and comfortable care.

All endoscopic procedures are performed under anesthesia and under the supervision of our anesthesiology and reanimation department. In this way, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and other interventional endoscopy applications are carried out with patient comfort as a priority.

The main diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in our endoscopy unit are as follows:

Diagnostic Endoscopic Procedures

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (Gastroscopy)
Colonoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Rectoscopy
Capsule endoscopy
Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)
Mini-probe endoscopic ultrasonography
Diagnostic imaging, staging, and biopsy procedures
Esophageal and anal manometry – motility studies
pH monitoring (24-hour stomach acid measurement)
US-guided liver biopsy

Endoscopic Treatments for Esophageal and Stomach Diseases

Bougie and balloon dilation for esophageal strictures
Band ligation and sclerotherapy for esophageal varices
Cyanoacrylate treatment for gastric varices
Sclerotherapy for bleeding lesions
Endoscopic sphincterotomy
Anti-reflux mucosectomy (ARMS-Reflux, GERDx, TIF2)
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)
Endoscopic Zenker diverticuloseptomyotomy

Endoscopic Procedures for Polyp, Tumor, and Cancer Treatment

Polypectomy
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)
Submucosal Endoscopic Tumor Resection (STER / POET)
Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection (EFTR)
Stent placement in malignant strictures
Electrosurgical incision, argon plasma coagulation, and laser applications
Hemoclip application
Endoscopic suture applications (Overstich, OTSC, loop, etc.)

ERCP Procedures for Bile Duct and Pancreatic Diseases

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Imaging of the bile and pancreatic ducts
Removal of stones from the bile ducts
Balloon dilation of bile duct strictures
Stent placement in bile duct strictures
Nasobiliary stent placement
Stone removal or stent placement in pancreatic patients
Drainage procedures from the bile ducts
Cystogastrostomy in pancreatic cysts
Celiac block in chronic pancreatitis
Celiac block in pancreatic cancer

Nutrition and Interventional Endoscopy Applications

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
Percutaneous Endoscopic Jejunostomy (PEJ)
Nasojejunal tube placement

Procedures for Hemorrhoids and Intestinal Diseases

Endoscopic hemorrhoid treatments (injection sclerotherapy / band ligation)
Per-Anal Endoscopic Myotomy (PAEM)

Advanced Endoscopy and Obesity Treatments

Chromoendoscopy – Magnifying endoscopy
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (obesity treatment)
Peroral Endoscopic Pyloromyotomy (G-POEM / POP-Gastroparesis)
Enteroscopy (PowerSpiral-Motorized Enteroscopy, Single-Balloon Enteroscopy, Double-Balloon Enteroscopy)
Endoscopic-laparoscopic treatments (LECS)

Frequently Asked Questions About Gastroscopy

Is gastroscopy, that is, stomach endoscopy, painful?

Because it is performed under sedation, patients usually do not feel pain. After the procedure, burning in the throat, irritation, and abdominal pain may occur.

Gastroscopy Is it surgery?

Gastroscopy is not surgery. It is a safe and effective method for the early diagnosis of digestive system diseases, obtaining biopsies, and performing many interventional treatments without surgery.

How many minutes does gastroscopy take?

Endoscopy performed for diagnostic purposes takes an average of 10 to 15 minutes. If it is performed for treatment, the procedure may take longer.

Is it necessary to stay in the hospital after gastroscopy?

If gastroscopy was performed for diagnostic purposes, the patient can return home on the same day. If therapeutic procedures were performed, the patient may stay in the hospital for 1 day depending on the doctor's evaluation.

For detailed information and appointments regarding gastroscopy, you can contact our gastroenterology specialists.