How long does a gastroscopy take?

Nov 12, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Shen Yonghua

Introduction

In general, gastroscopy mainly includes conventional gastroscopy, painless gastroscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and capsule endoscopy. The time required for gastroscopy varies depending on the type of gastroscopy and individual patient circumstances. A detailed breakdown is as follows: 1. Conventional gastroscopy: Usually takes 5–10 minutes, with variations depending on the operator's speed. Some patients with complex medical conditions may require more time, although the procedure typically does not exceed half an hour.

Generally, gastroscopy mainly includes conventional gastroscopy, painless gastroscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and capsule endoscopy. A conventional gastroscopy usually takes about 5-10 minutes; painless gastroscopy typically takes 30-60 minutes; endoscopic ultrasound and capsule endoscopy generally require 15-30 minutes. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Conventional gastroscopy: Usually takes 5-10 minutes, although the duration may vary depending on the operator's speed. Some patients with complex conditions may require more time, but generally not exceeding half an hour.

2. Painless gastroscopy: The entire process includes anesthesia, examination, and recovery, typically lasting 30-60 minutes. The actual examination time, during which the patient is under anesthesia, is generally 10-15 minutes. Painless gastroscopy is performed under anesthesia, and the patient will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.

3. Endoscopic ultrasound: Usually takes 15-30 minutes, but the exact duration depends on the patient's condition and the specific examination requirements. Endoscopic ultrasound involves placing an ultrasound probe at the tip of the endoscope, which is then inserted into the stomach via the mouth to perform ultrasound imaging of the gastric wall and surrounding organs.

4. Capsule endoscopy: Typically takes 15-30 minutes, although the exact duration depends on the speed of gastrointestinal motility. Physicians can observe the images captured by the capsule in real-time using an external device to evaluate the condition of the digestive tract.

The duration of different types of gastroscopy varies depending on the patient's condition, the scope of the examination, and the operator's speed. Before undergoing gastroscopy, patients should consult their physicians and understand relevant precautions. Maintaining a relaxed mindset and actively cooperating with the physician during the examination are also important factors in reducing the examination time.

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How much does a painless gastroscopy cost?

In general, the reference price for a painless gastroscopy ranges from 800 to 3000 yuan. The specific price is influenced by factors such as preoperative examination items, type of anesthetic used, whether pathological biopsy is included, type of examination equipment, and regional cost of living. Actual pricing is recommended to be confirmed with the local hospital. If a painless gastroscopy is required, it is recommended to choose a formal medical institution.

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Can esophageal malignancy be cured?

In general, whether malignant esophageal tumors can be cured primarily depends on the cancer stage. Early-stage esophageal cancer has a higher chance of being cured, whereas treatment is more difficult for intermediate and advanced stages. If symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or retrosternal pain occur, timely medical evaluation is essential, including examinations like gastroscopy or barium swallow study. Once a definitive diagnosis is made, prompt standardized treatment should be initiated. Additionally, regular follow-up examinations are necessary after surgery to monitor disease progression.