Is a胃镜 (gastroscopy) painful? How long does the procedure take?

Nov 26, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Shen Yonghua

Introduction

In general, undergoing a standard gastroscopy may cause some discomfort, but most people can tolerate it. A painless gastroscopy, on the other hand, alleviates the patient's pain and discomfort through the use of anesthetic medications and is usually pain-free. A standard gastroscopy typically takes 15-20 minutes to complete, while a painless gastroscopy generally requires 20-30 minutes. A detailed explanation is as follows:

Generally, a standard gastroscopy may cause some discomfort, but most people can tolerate it. A painless gastroscopy, on the other hand, uses anesthetics to reduce the patient's pain and discomfort and is usually pain-free. A standard gastroscopy typically takes 15-20 minutes to complete, while a painless gastroscopy usually takes 20-30 minutes. A detailed explanation is as follows:

During a standard gastroscopy, when the tube passes through the throat, there may be a few seconds of pain and symptoms such as vomiting and nausea may occur. Some patients may also experience bloating due to air entering the stomach along with the tube. Most people can tolerate this discomfort. The procedure generally takes about 15 minutes. However, if the patient is uncooperative or if suspicious lesions are found during the examination requiring tissue biopsy, the examination time may extend to 20 minutes.

A painless gastroscopy uses short-acting anesthetics to rapidly induce sleep in the patient, thereby avoiding pain and eliminating the patient's negative emotions, making the examination process smoother. However, certain groups, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women and patients with a history of drug allergies, may not be suitable candidates for painless gastroscopy. Because anesthesia is required beforehand, which takes a certain amount of time, the entire examination process may take 20-30 minutes.

Prior preparation requires fasting for more than six hours to avoid affecting the examination results. On the night before the examination, patients should avoid eating greasy, spicy, or irritating foods and should not smoke, drink alcohol, or consume coffee. On the day of the examination, patients should wear loose clothing to facilitate the procedure. During the examination, it is important to stay relaxed and avoid negative emotions. Cooperating actively with the doctor's instructions will help ensure a smooth examination.

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Can a stomach endoscopy reveal problems in the throat?

Whether a gastroscope can detect throat problems depends on the severity and cause of the condition. For mild symptoms such as throat burning or pain, a gastroscope may not provide an accurate diagnosis. However, in more severe cases, such as congestive edema or tumors, a gastroscope may initially identify abnormalities, but laryngoscopy and pathological biopsy are required for a definitive diagnosis, enabling timely treatment based on the underlying cause.

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Can I eat grapes after having a gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy refers to a stomach endoscopy. Generally, after undergoing a gastroscopy, you can eat grapes, but the amount should be controlled. In the early period following the procedure, avoid consuming spicy, greasy, or other irritating foods such as Sichuan pepper, chili peppers, and onions, as they may aggravate damage to the gastric mucosa. Additionally, ensure adequate rest, maintain sufficient sleep, and avoid staying up late to promote recovery.

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How long after a gastroscopy can you eat a hamburger?

Gastroscopy refers to the examination of the stomach using a gastroscope. Generally, it is safe to eat a hamburger 2 to 24 hours after undergoing a gastroscopy. If no biopsy or other procedures were performed during the gastroscopy, patients can usually start with liquid foods 2 hours after the procedure. Normal diet, including solid foods such as hamburgers and corn, can typically be resumed after 24 hours.

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Is it normal to have a sore throat after undergoing a gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy involves inserting the gastroscope through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. During this process, the gastroscope may cause friction, stimulation, and pressure on the mucous membrane of the throat, resulting in throat pain. Additionally, to better visualize the internal structures, a certain amount of air may be introduced into the gastrointestinal tract during the examination to expand the lumen, which can also cause discomfort in the throat area.