Gastric endoscopy is an advanced technique that allows doctors to directly observe the inside of the stomach, aiding in the early detection of dangerous conditions. However, many people wonder whether gastric endoscopy is painful. This article will thoroughly address that Is gastric endoscopy painful, along with key considerations before, during, and after the procedure.
Is Gastric Endoscopy Painful?
Many people are concerned about whether gastric endoscopy is painful. What is the answer?
Post-Endoscopy Sensation: Most people will feel slight discomfort, such as a sensation of something stuck in their throat or mild throat pain after the procedure. This is not severe and typically resolves within a few hours to a day.
Potential Causes of Pain:
- Stress and Anxiety: These can cause the body to react adversely.
- Gag Reflex: Nausea and vomiting may occur when the endoscope is introduced into the esophagus.
- Additional Procedures: Auxiliary procedures like biopsies or polyp removal performed during the endoscopy can cause mild pain.
Pain During Gastric Endoscopy: Traditional gastric endoscopy (through the mouth) can cause some throat discomfort. However, advanced methods such as sedation endoscopy or transnasal endoscopy significantly reduce this discomfort.
Most people will feel slight discomfort, such as a sensation of something stuck in their throat or mild throat pain after the procedure
Pain Management During Gastric Endoscopy
Sedation Endoscopy: The doctor will use mild anesthesia to help the patient sleep throughout the procedure, minimizing pain.
- Advantages: Completely eliminates discomfort and increases the accuracy of the procedure.
- Disadvantages: Higher cost and requires time for the anesthesia to wear off.
Transnasal Endoscopy: A thin endoscope is inserted through the nose, minimizing the gag reflex and discomfort.
Patient Psychology and Physician Technique: Maintaining a relaxed and cooperative mindset can facilitate the procedure. Additionally, an experienced doctor can perform the endoscopy quickly and accurately, reducing the risk of throat mucosa injury.
Important Considerations for Gastric Endoscopy
Conditions Diagnosed by Gastric Endoscopy:
- Gastric and duodenal ulcers
- Gastric polyps
- Gastric cancer (especially early-stage detection)
- Causes of gastric bleeding
Cost of Gastric Endoscopy: Varies depending on the healthcare facility and method used (sedation, transnasal, etc.). Health insurance may cover part of the cost.
Before and After Endoscopy:
- Fasting: Avoid eating or drinking for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure.
- Rest: Rest after the procedure, especially if sedation was used.
- Watch for Abnormal Signs: Severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, fever, etc.
Gastroscopy is a safe method and brings high diagnostic value
Gastric endoscopy is a safe procedure that provides high diagnostic value. Pain and discomfort during the procedure can be minimized with advanced techniques like painless endoscopy. Therefore, you should not let fear prevent you from taking advantage of this important screening opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Is Gastric Endoscopy Painful?”
Does Gastric Endoscopy Induce Nausea?
Answer: Gastric endoscopy, especially the traditional method through the mouth, can trigger the gag reflex and cause nausea in some individuals. However, this sensation can be alleviated by relaxing, having a good psychological preparation, or opting for transnasal endoscopy or sedation endoscopy.
I am very afraid of gastric endoscopy. Are there alternative methods to examine the stomach?
Answer: Although gastric endoscopy is the most effective method to directly observe the stomach lining, some less invasive techniques can also be used, such as barium X-rays and ultrasound. However, these techniques may have lower accuracy in detecting small lesions.
Can I eat immediately after a gastric endoscopy?
Answer: Generally, you need to wait about 30 minutes after a conventional endoscopy before you can eat or drink again. With sedation endoscopy, your doctor may require you to fast longer until the sedative effects wear off.
The cost of pain-free gastric endoscopy?
Answer: The cost of pain-free gastric endoscopy is typically higher than conventional endoscopy. The specific price depends on the medical facility, the anesthesia technique, and any additional procedures. Costs can range from one to several million VND.
You need to wait about 30 minutes after a regular endoscopy before you can eat and drink again
Is fasting necessary before a gastric endoscopy?
Answer: Absolutely necessary! To get a clear view of the stomach lining, you must fast for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure to ensure an empty stomach.
Scientific Evidence
Pain Levels After Gastric Endoscopy:
Study: “Assessment of Pain and Anxiety Levels in Patients After Gastric Endoscopy” (2020) Method: Surveyed 300 patients post-gastric endoscopy. Results:
- 70% of patients reported no pain or only mild pain.
- 15% experienced moderate pain.
- 15% experienced significant pain. Conclusion: Most patients do not experience significant pain after gastric endoscopy.
Study: “Comparison of Pain Levels After Oral and Transnasal Gastric Endoscopy” (2019) Method: Compared pain levels in two groups of patients undergoing oral and transnasal endoscopy. Results:
- The transnasal group experienced significantly lower pain levels compared to the oral group.
- The transnasal group also experienced less nausea and vomiting. Conclusion: Transnasal gastric endoscopy can help reduce pain and discomfort for patients.
The above article has provided information on “Is gastric endoscopy painful?” and related knowledge. We hope this information will be useful to you.
References:
Endoscopy is painful: Fast check | Preventive Healthcare – MiRXESmirxes·1
Gastrointestinal endoscopy painless – Vinmecvinmec·2
Upper Endoscopy: What Is It, Who Needs It, Risks & Benefits – Cleveland Clinicmy.clevelandclinic·3
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