Villa Stuart Private Clinic

Gastroscopy

DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY

Digestive endoscopy is a diagnostic examination that allows, through an endoscope, the exploration and visualization of the interior of the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, rectum). In addition to checking for any alterations or lesions, it also allows for the performance of minimally invasive procedures.

Depending on the area to be examined, the following procedures will be conducted:

  • Gastroscopy, access through the oral cavity.
    Organs studied: esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
  • Colonoscopy, access through the anal cavity.
    Organs studied: colon and rectum

GASTROSCOPY

Gastroscopy, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS), is a diagnostic examination that, by introducing the gastroscope through the mouth, allows visualization of the interior of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, to check for lesions and, if necessary, perform biopsies or minimally invasive procedures.

INDICATIONS FOR THE PROCEDURE

It is recommended to undergo the gastroscopic procedure in the presence of symptoms such as:

  • Persistent stomach pain or burning
  • Difficulty swallowing or feeling of food getting stuck in the throat
  • Frequent nausea or vomiting
  • Conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, infections (e.g., Helicobacter pylori)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Hiatal hernia or esophagitis
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Blood in vomit (hematemesis) or black stools (melena)
  • Anemia without an obvious cause
  • Suspected neoplastic lesions
  • Post-surgical check-up for stomach surgery
  • Monitoring of previous ulcers

*Text for informational purposes only, the gastroenterologist or the facility where the procedure will be performed will provide precise instructions

The diagnostic gastroscopy lasts from 5 to 15 minutes.

The duration may extend in case of:

  • Performing procedures such as biopsies (tissue sample collection), polypectomies, and other maneuvers
  • Sedation, conscious or deep, of the patient (preparation time for sedation and recovery time from sedation)

*Text for informational purposes only, the gastroenterologist or the facility where the procedure will be performed will provide precise instructions

WARNING: always inform the medical staff before the procedure of any fixed or removable dental prostheses

  • Procedure scheduled in the morning: total fasting from midnight the previous day (no food, no liquids, no water), light dinner the night before
  • Procedure scheduled in the afternoon: total fasting for at least 6 hours (no food, no liquids, no water), possibility of having a light breakfast (tea and toast/biscuits), light dinner the night before
  • Procedure with sedation: total fasting from midnight the previous day (no food, no liquids, no water), removal and storage of any dental prosthesis
  • Regular medication: TAKE with very little water
  • Antacid medications: DO NOT TAKE
  • Proton pump inhibitors: DISCONTINUE 7 days before the examination
  • Cardioaspirin and Cardirene medications: DO NOT DISCONTINUE (it is advised not to take them only on the day of the procedure)
  • Antiplatelet medications: DISCONTINUE 7 days before the examination
  • New oral anticoagulants: DISCONTINUE 2 days before the examination
  • Oral anticoagulants "TAO": DISCONTINUE 7 days before the examination

It is necessary to contact the cardiologist/angiologist/TAO center prescribing the antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy to communicate the need for therapy suspension and evaluate the possible administration of subcutaneous heparin

*Text for informational purposes only, the gastroenterologist or the facility where the procedure will be performed will provide precise instructions

WARNING: always inform the medical staff before the procedure of any fixed or removable dental prostheses

1. Preparation (see “Preparation for the procedure”)

2. Sedation/Anesthesia: administration of local anesthetic for the throat and, as needed, administration, by an anesthetist, of light or deep sedation.

3. Positioning the patient lying on their side on the examination table

4. Introduction of the gastroscope into the mouth, passing through a soft mouthpiece into the esophagus to reach the stomach and duodenum.

5. Examination: the camera at the end of the gastroscope sends images to the screen. If necessary, CO2 insufflation is provided for better visualization of the organs.

6. Biopsies or therapies: collection of tissue samples for histological analysis (biopsies) or performance of minimally invasive therapeutic procedures.

7. Conclusion: removal of the endoscope and, in case of sedation, management of the patient’s awakening.

  • Possible mild throat soreness or temporary abdominal bloating due to the introduced CO2
  • In case of examination under sedation, the patient will be drowsy and must arrange for return home accompanied and MUST NOT:
    - drive vehicles
    - operate potentially dangerous machinery
    - perform demanding tasks
    - make legal decisions within the following 24 hours
  • Diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy (diagnostic EGDS) with possible biopsies and/or rapid HP test (Helicobacter pylori)
  • Operative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (operative EGDS)

The Villa Stuart Clinic is affiliated with major insurance companies and supplementary health care funds.

Learn more

For information and bookings

Monday / Friday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM / Saturday 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM

06 35528500

Emergency service

Service available 24 hours a day

800.118.166

Gastroscopy

Team

Dr. Vittorio Riso

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

Dr. Roberto Finizio

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

Dr. Fabio Zannoni

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

Prof. Marcello Anti

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

Dr. Vincenzo Masi

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

Dr. Lucio Petruzziello

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

Dr. Francesca Picconi

Surgeon

Specialist in Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy

Dr. Maria Lia Scribano

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

Prof. Italo Stroppa

Surgeon

Specialist in Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy

Dr. Ottavio Bassi

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

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