Gastroscopy is a common upper digestive investigation method to diagnose conditions such as gastric and duodenal ulcers, oesophageal erosion and tumour in the stomach. It is the current investigation of choice for pain in the upper abdomen without other obvious reasons.
Bedside for diagnosis, gastroscopy is also commonly used to treat bleeding from the upper digestive tract caused by ulcers and abnormally dilated blood vessels. Polyps and other deeper layer growth in the stomach may also be removed through gastroscopy without the need for surgery.
In the case of advance tumour in the oesophagus or stomach, gastroscopy can be helpful in palliating a patient and allow oral diet by deploying a self-expanding metal stent to keep the digestive canal open.
-Dr Quan
