The Gastroscopy It is a test that allows for direct visualisation of the inside of the oesophagus, the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenumIt is one of the most widely used tools for studying symptoms in the upper digestive tract.
Unlike other tests, gastroscopy not only allows us to see what's happening, but also to take samplesbiopsiesand to act on certain lesions during the same procedure.
It is used especially in situations such as:
- Persistent heartburn or reflux to assess inflammation, oesophagitis or complications such as Barrett's oesophagus.
- Stomach ache (epigastric pain): when it is frequent or does not improve with treatment.
- Nausea, vomiting or indigestion: to study possible alterations in the stomach.
- Iron deficiency anaemia when a high digestive origin is suspected.
Practical example: acidity that doesn't improve
A person can go months with heartburn and taking medication without noticing a complete improvement. In these cases, the cause could be persistent reflux, inflammation of the oesophagus, or even changes in the lining that require monitoring.
The Gastroscopy allows for direct visualisation of the oesophagus and stomach, confirming the presence of damage and ruling out complications. This helps to adjust treatment and prevent the problem from prolonging without a clear diagnosis.
Gastroscopy: precise diagnosis and treatment in the same procedure
One of the main advantages of gastroscopy is that it allows you to go beyond diagnosis. During the test, various problems can be detected and treated directly.
For example, if a ulcer, its state can be assessed and samples taken to rule out other causes. If infection is suspected Helicobacter pylori, Biopsies can be obtained to confirm this. In other cases, it also allows for the treatment of specific bleeding or lesions.
This makes it a key test in gastroenterology, especially when symptoms are persistent or have no clear cause.
A common query is to think that the Gastroscopy it is only carried out in severe cases. In reality, it is a key test to Confirm diagnoses, Rule out complications and guiding the treatment precisely.