Gastroscopy Versus Endoscopy

Introduction:

Both gastroscopy and endoscopy are diagnostic tests to find the reasons causing troubles in the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroscopy is used to view the upper gastrointestinal tract consisting of the throat, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. At the same time, endoscopy is used to view abnormalities in any internal organs or structures in the body.

How Is Gastroscopy Done?

Gastroscopy is a type of endoscopy.

• In gastroscopy, the upper gastrointestinal tract is viewed with a flexible tube with a camera and light.

• The other end of the tube is connected to a computer monitor where the images or visuals captured by the camera will be displayed on the screen.

• The patient is dressed in a loose hospital gown as the procedure is carried out in a hospital by an experienced healthcare professional.

• The patient is made to lie on the left side. And a local anesthetic agent is sprayed into the patient's throat to avoid discomfort while performing the procedure.

• The healthcare professional then inserts the tube into the mouth, and the patient is asked to swallow the tube.

• The tube is then guided along the esophageal tubular structure to view for abnormalities.

• The endoscope pathway is viewed on the screen outside, which helps to detect abnormalities in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Why Is Gastroscopy Done?

Gastroscopy is done to detect various issues in the upper gastrointestinal tract, like,

• Dysphagia: Difficulty in swallowing, which can be caused by other conditions such as esophageal cancer, neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis or dementia, etc.

• Repeated Stomach Aches: Stomach aches that are persistent and do not resolve with medications. Gastroscopy is done to find the cause.

• Internal Bleeding: Gastrointestinal bleeding that occurs due to iron deficiency anemia can be ruled out.

• Peptic Ulcers: Certain symptoms of peptic ulcers, like heartburn, regurgitation, epigastric pain, etc., pave the way to finding the presence and the extent of the ulcers.

• Gastrointestinal Obstruction: Obstructions caused by non-cancerous polyps or small cancerous tumors are detected with the help of gastroscopy, which also assists in removing them.

• Gastrointestinal Cancer: Gastroscopy is also performed to check for suspected cancerous growths in the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus.

• Nutritional Supplement: In patients with swallowing difficulty, this method helps facilitate food passage into the stomach.

• Biopsy: Biopsy via gastroscopy is carried out to take samples of abnormal tissue growth inside the gastrointestinal tract.

• Gastroscopy is also done.

  • If symptoms like regurgitation, nausea, or vomiting persist for a long time.

  • To review the gastrointestinal tract post-surgically.

  • Unexplained weight loss to detect cancerous growths.

  • Blood in the stools.

• Gastroscopy is not only performed for diagnostic purposes. It is also performed to resume minor and minimally invasive surgical procedures like polyp removal and small cancerous growth removal.

How Is Endoscopy Done?

Endoscopy is done in similar methods to gastroscopy. However, the endoscope is a long tube-like structure that has a light and a camera and is inserted into the mouth down through the esophagus to reach the stomach, intestine, and other internal abdominal structures.

Why Is an Endoscopy Done?

An endoscope is done to investigate a suspected disease and confirm a diagnosis and treatment.

Investigation: To investigate the causes of specific abnormalities like difficulty swallowing, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, breathing difficulties, ulcers, and intestinal bleeding.

To Confirm a Diagnosis: An endoscopic biopsy confirms a cancerous growth in the intestinal tract or the esophagus.

Treatment: Endoscopic procedures are minimally invasive techniques for cauterizing bleeding vessels and removing polyps.

What Are the Types of Endoscopies?

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: To view the inner part of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

• Enteroscopy: To view the interior of the small intestine.

• Colonoscopy: To view the colon.

• Sigmoidoscopy: To examine the inner lining of the rectum and the sigmoid colon.

• Rectoscopy: Endoscopy to evaluate the rectum.

• Anoscopy: Evaluation of the anus via endoscope.

• Rhinoscopy: To examine the inner part of the nose.

• Bronchoscopy: Endoscopic examination of the lower respiratory tract.

• Otoscopy: Endoscopic evaluation of the ears.

• Cystoscopy: Evaluating the urinary tract through an endoscope.

• Colposcopy: Endoscopic examination of the cervix.

• Hysteroscopy: It is the internal examination of the uterus with an endoscope.

• Falloposcopy: Checking the fallopian tube with an endoscope.

• Laparoscopy: Examining the inner part of the abdominal cavity or the pelvic region by making incisions in the outer layer.

• Arthroscopy: Tiny incisions are made in the outer part of the joint to gain access to the deeper regions of the joints.

• Mediastinoscopy and Thoracoscopy: Incisions made on the exterior to access the organs in the chest cavity.

• Capsule Endoscopy: Capsule endoscopy comprises a camera enclosed in a capsulated device that is made to swallow by the patient like a pill. It travels through the gastrointestinal tract and captures images. Next, these pictures are transferred to a wireless device in a belt attached to the patient. The patient then hands over the recorder to the doctor. Finally, the capsule is excreted via stools.

What Is the Difference Between a Gastroscopy and an Endoscopy?

Gastroscopy uses an endoscope to view the interior of the upper gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, an endoscopy is done to look for abnormalities or investigate the causes of certain conditions in the body.

What Are the Risks of Gastroscopy and an Endoscopy?

The risk factors are minimal. However, occasionally a few complications occur.

• Perforations to the lining of the esophagus or the intestinal tract. However, it is occasional.

• Risk of infection.

• Bleeding in the esophagus or the stomach due to tearing of the outer layer.

• Discomfort and pain while swallowing.

• Fever.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Pain or discomfort in the region where the endoscope was inserted.

• Mild bloating for a few minutes after endoscopy.

Conclusion:

Gastroscopy and endoscopy are used in investigating and also treating certain conditions. Though these procedures are primarily used for diagnostic procedures like ruling out peptic ulcers, polyps, or gastrointestinal tract cancers, they are also used to treat the same. In contrast to gastroscopy’s limitation to the upper gastrointestinal tract, endoscopy is widely used for diagnosing and treating abnormalities in other body parts like the abdomen, uterus, colon, lower respiratory tract, and ENT (ear, nose, and throat), etc. Except for gastroscopy’s limited access, both gastroscopy and endoscopy play an important role in diagnosing and treating certain conditions.