Modern gastroscopy in ViennaVienaMed
Modern Gastroscopy at VienaMed: precise investigation, carried out in comfort conditions
Persistent digestive discomfort should not be ignored. Gastric burns, reflux, upper abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing or frequent nausea may require careful medical evaluation.
Gastroscopy is one of the most important investigations to examine the esophagus, stomach and first portion of the small intestine. The procedure allows the doctor to directly observe the digestive mucosa and identify possible changes that cannot be sufficiently assessed by blood tests or ultrasound.
What is gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy, also called upper digestive endoscopy, is performed using a flexible and thin tube, provided with a video camera. By this examination, the doctor can analyze:
- the esophagus;
- stomach;
- duodenum;
- inflamed or irritated areas;
- possible lesions, ulceration or other changes.
When necessary, small tissue fragments for biopsy may be taken during the investigation. These samples are subsequently analysed in the laboratory.
Also read how to detect gastric cancer and Helicobacter pylori and the risk of gastric cancer.
When can a gastroscopy be recommended?
The doctor may recommend this investigation in case of symptoms such as:
- heartburn or frequent reflux;
- persistent pain in the upper abdomen;
- nausea or repeated vomiting;
- difficulty or pain when swallowing;
- persistent bloating;
- unexplained weight loss;
- anaemia without a clear cause;
- suspicion of gastritis, ulcer or other digestive disorders.
The indication for gastroscopy is determined by the physician according to symptoms, medical history and results of previous investigations.
Gastroscopy under sedation, for more comfort
For many patients, the greatest concern is the discomfort associated with the procedure. Within the Endoscopy Center of the Confraternität & Goldenes Kreuz private clinic in Vienna, gastroscopy can be performed with sedoanalgesia at the request of the patient. During the investigation, breathing and circulation are constantly monitored.
Sedation helps the patient to be relaxed and to perceive very little or no procedure. The University of Medicine in Vienna describes this as „mild gastroscopy” and states that the examination usually takes less than ten minutes.
However, sedation should be determined individually after medical evaluation and according to the patient’s overall health.
How's the investigation going?
Prior to gastroscopy, the patient is given clear instructions regarding diet, fluid consumption and administration of medicinal products. In general, the patient should not eat for at least six hours before the examination, but the specific instructions provided by the clinic should always be followed.
The procedure shall, as a rule, include the following steps:
- Talk with the doctor and check the medical history.
- Preparing the patient for investigation.
- Administration of sedation, when recommended and accepted.
- Examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
- Taking a biopsy, if the doctor considers it necessary.
- Patient surveillance in the recovery area.
- Explanation of findings and medical recommendations.
What happens after the gastroscopy?
After an investigation under sedation, the patient remains for a period in the recovery area under the supervision of the health care professional.
The doctor may immediately explain what he observed during the examination. If a biopsy has been taken, the final result will then be available after the laboratory analysis.
Depending on the outcome, the following steps may include:
- the recommendation of a treatment;
- change in existing treatment;
- carrying out further analyses;
- the repetition of the investigation after a certain period;
- consultation of another specialist;
- establishment of a monitoring programme.
After sedation, the instructions received from the clinic should be closely followed. The recommendations on diet, movement and resumption of activities may vary depending on the medicinal products administered and the patient’s condition. For example, after the procedure, a short period may be necessary before the resumption of food and liquid consumption.
Why choose a medical investigation in Vienna?
Access to modern endoscopic technology, careful organization and clear communication with the doctor can contribute to a more comfortable medical experience.
For international patients, the difficulty is not only in choosing the clinic. Appointments, transmission of medical documents, communication in a foreign language and organization of travel may become complicated without specialized support.
How does VienaMed help you?
VienaMed provide support to patients who wish to carry out a gastroscopy or other medical investigations in Vienna.
The VienaMed team can facilitate:
- the transmission of medical documents;
- communication with the medical unit;
- arranging the appointment;
- the organisation of the medical course;
- language assistance;
- support for travel and residence;
- communication of recommendations received after the investigation.
Thus, the patient benefits from a clear and well-organised medical route, from the first request to the post-procedure consultation.
Programs a gastroscopy in Vienna
A timely evaluation may help to identify the cause of the symptoms and establish appropriate treatment.