Gastroscopy Program for Gastrointestinal Health

At ADDLIFE Digestive and Liver Center, we strive to understand each patient’s unique digestive health. Our gastroscopy program is designed to accurately diagnose and treat various gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. Whether you’re experiencing troubling symptoms or seeking preventive care, our expert medical team is here to provide comprehensive support and effective solutions.

What is Gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy is a medical procedure during which a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera, called an endoscope, is inserted through the mouth to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and part of the small intestine. It’s an outpatient procedure used to investigate and diagnose conditions affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis, ulcers, or suspicious growths. 

Why Should You Get a Gastroscopy?

If you’ve been experiencing persistent digestive discomfort or symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing, a gastroscopy can help identify the cause of these issues. A gastroscopy is highly effective for diagnosing GI problems early and determining the best treatment options.

Benefits of a Gastroscopy

A gastroscopy provides several key benefits, making it an indispensable tool for GI health:

• Accurate diagnosis: Gastroscopy allows your doctor to view detailed images of your upper digestive tract, making it highly effective for diagnosing ulcers, tumors, inflammation, and other issues.
• Minimally invasive: This procedure is quick and minimally invasive, with most patients returning to normal activities within the same day.
• Early detection: A gastroscopy can significantly improve the outcomes of necessary treatments by identifying potential issues early, such as cancerous growths.

Who Should Consider a Gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy is used to investigate and diagnose upper GI problems. It’s typically recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms such as:

• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Acid reflux or heartburn that does not respond to treatment
• Diarrhea or chronic digestive issues
• Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as vomiting blood or passing black stools

Additionally, a gastroscopy is often used for cancer screening in individuals at higher risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers. Your doctor may also recommend this procedure if you have a family history of GI disorders or have been diagnosed with conditions like anemia.

What to Expect During a Gastroscopy

Preparing for a gastroscopy is straightforward but essential for ensuring accurate results. Here’s what you can expect:

• Pre-Procedure: Your doctor will ask you to fast for 6 to 8 hours before the procedure to make sure your stomach is empty. You may need to adjust or temporarily stop certain medications.
• During the Procedure: A local anesthetic or sedative will be administered to make you comfortable. The procedure itself usually lasts about 15-30 minutes. The doctor will carefully insert the endoscope through your mouth, capturing detailed images of your esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine.
• Post-Procedure: Immediately after the gastroscopy, you’ll be monitored until the effects of the sedative wear off. 

Post-Procedure Care

Following a gastroscopy, it’s essential to take care of your body and follow any recommendations from your healthcare provider. You may experience mild soreness in your throat or bloating, which usually subsides within a few hours. Drinking warm liquids or eating soft foods can help ease any discomfort.

Depending on the results of your gastroscopy, your doctor may recommend further tests or a follow-up consultation to discuss the findings and next steps. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed during the procedure, and results will take a few days.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms like severe pain, high fever, or prolonged difficulty swallowing after the procedure.

Gastroscopy Programs at ADDLIFE

• Gastroscopy 10,900 Baht
• Gastroscopy + Colonoscopy 24,900 Baht

Terms and conditions

• This package excludes fees for a doctor’s consultation prior to the endoscopy, anesthesiologist fee, or costs of any further tests, treatments, or medications the doctor recommends based on test results.
• This package excludes the costs of any additional medical supplies required that aren’t already included in the package. 
• This package excludes the cost of the biopsy (if required). 
• If general anesthesia is required, an additional fee for the anesthesia will be applied. 

Why Choose ADDLIFE for Your Gastroscopy?

At ADDLIFE Medical Center, we’re committed to providing the highest quality care. Our team of highly experienced gastroenterologists and healthcare professionals are dedicated to ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

We use the latest medical equipment to perform gastroscopies with precision. We tailor our gastroscopy programs based on your specific symptoms, medical history, and overall health. In addition to gastroscopies, we offer other diagnostic tools and treatments, such as colonoscopies, ensuring that all your GI health concerns are thoroughly addressed.

Gastroscopy FAQs

Q: Why is a gastroscopy performed?

A: In addition to diagnosing common GI conditions such as ulcers and inflammation, what a gastroscopy also does is detect more serious issues like tumors or early signs of gastrointestinal cancer. Early diagnosis through gastroscopy is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further complications.

Q: Is a gastroscopy a painful procedure?

A: A sedative or local anesthetic is typically administered to ensure comfort, so most patients don’t experience pain during a gastroscopy. While some individuals may feel mild pressure or a sensation of fullness, pain is uncommon. Our medical team will closely monitor your comfort throughout the procedure.

Q: How should I prepare for a gastroscopy?

A: Preparation for a gastroscopy involves fasting for a set period, usually 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. This is crucial to ensure that your stomach is empty, allowing for a clear view during the examination. Your doctor will give detailed instructions on any medications you may need to adjust or stop temporarily before the procedure. It’s important to follow these guidelines to ensure the procedure goes smoothly.

Q: What is the standard procedure time for a gastroscopy?

A: The actual gastroscopy procedure typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. However, you can expect to spend a few hours at the clinic for the pre-procedure preparation and post-procedure recovery. The recovery time allows the effects of any sedation to wear off, ensuring you feel well enough before heading home.

Q: Can I eat or drink after a gastroscopy?

A: Yes, you can resume eating and drinking after the procedure, but it’s advisable to start with light, soft foods and avoid hot beverages and alcohol for a few hours. Your throat may feel a bit sore from the endoscope, so opting for softer foods can help ease any discomfort. Your doctor will provide personalized advice based on your condition and any findings during the procedure.

Q: How often should I get a gastroscopy?

A: The frequency depends on your health condition and doctor’s recommendations. Regular screenings may be necessary for those with chronic digestive issues or individuals being monitored for conditions like Barrett’s esophagus. Your healthcare provider will guide you on how often you should have a gastroscopy based on your symptoms, risk factors, and overall digestive health.