Medical Information
It is currently the reference examination for exploring the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It allows the detection of possible lesions and the taking of biopsies (removal of a small tissue sample for microscopic analysis).
You must be strictly fasting (no food, drink, or smoking) for the 6 hours prior to the examination.
The examination uses a flexible device called an endoscope, which is inserted through the mouth or nose, sometimes after local anesthesia.
Most often, you will be lying on your left side. The procedure is not painful. Breathing is not affected, as the endoscope does not enter the lungs. However, you should maintain steady breathing throughout the examination to avoid nausea.
You should also avoid swallowing saliva and let it flow out of your mouth onto a protective sheet. During the procedure, air is introduced to expand the walls, which may cause mild burping. If necessary, biopsies may be taken.
To improve comfort, general anesthesia may be planned. In that case, the anesthesiologist will answer any questions related to their specialty.
Between patients, and according to current regulations, the endoscope is disinfected and all accessories (biopsy forceps, etc.) are either sterilized or discarded (single-use equipment). These procedures are standard to prevent infection transmission.
Any medical procedure or intervention on the human body, even when performed under conditions of competence and safety consistent with current scientific knowledge and regulations, carries a risk of complications.
Complications of gastroscopy are very rare. These include: perforation, bleeding, cardiovascular or respiratory disorders, and infection.
They may require hospitalization and can be influenced by your medical or surgical history or by certain medications.
Most complications occur during the procedure, but some may appear a few days afterward (abdominal or chest pain, vomiting blood or black material, cough, fever, chills, etc.).
In such cases, it is very important to immediately contact the doctor and/or anesthesiologist who performed the procedure at the following number: 02/434 81 05.
If you are unable to reach them, you should contact your general practitioner as soon as possible.