Is a胃镜 painful? How long does the procedure take?
Nov 26, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, if a conventional gastroscopy is chosen, it can be painful; however, if a painless gastroscopy is selected, it is not painful. The procedure typically takes 10–20 minutes.
Conventional gastroscopy may cause some discomfort, as the endoscope needs to be inserted through the mouth, passing through the throat and esophagus into the stomach. During this process, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, or throat discomfort.
Generally, if a conventional gastroscopy is chosen, it can be uncomfortable; however, if a painless gastroscopy is selected, the procedure is typically pain-free. The process usually takes 10-20 minutes. Detailed explanations are as follows:
A conventional gastroscopy may cause some discomfort because the endoscope must be inserted through the mouth, passing through the throat and esophagus into the stomach. During this process, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, or throat discomfort. For patients with particularly sensitive throats or those who are anxious, the discomfort may be more pronounced. However, with advancements in endoscopic technology, modern endoscopes are generally more flexible and soft. Additionally, local anesthetics are usually administered before the procedure to reduce discomfort. Therefore, the sensation is generally tolerable for most patients.
Painless gastroscopy involves administering a short-acting anesthetic beforehand, allowing the patient to sleep through the procedure. As a result, patients do not feel any discomfort or pain during the examination. After the procedure, patients may experience mild dizziness or drowsiness, but these effects typically subside quickly.
Before undergoing gastroscopy, it is important to understand the procedure and related precautions to reduce anxiety and fear. During the examination, follow the doctor's instructions for deep breathing and staying relaxed to minimize discomfort.
